FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Trav Robertson Jr., trav@scdp.org
February 22, 2023
COLUMBIA, SC – Serving in his capacity since 2017, Trav Robertson, Jr. has decided not to seek another term as Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
“For 25 years, I’d hoped to be the state party chairman, and for the last six years, I have been so fortunate to live that dream,” Robertson said. “I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s smartest and most caring people, and so many of them are right here in South Carolina. I will always be thankful for the relationships I’ve built with my fellow officers, Councilwoman Lessie Price, Dr. Anthony Thompson, Jalen Elrod and Scott Thorpe, Joyce Rose-Harris, Melissa Watson, and Kendra Dove – and with our amazing party chairs, officials and activists. We fought every day to make South Carolina stronger for all our citizens. Though we always want more, I am proud of what we accomplished together.”
During his tenure, more Democrats filed to run for elective office than the previous 25 years. In those elections, there were more investments in the campaigns of Democratic candidates than ever before. Democrats won the 1st Congressional seat and elected the first female sheriff in the history of South Carolina. As Chair, Robertson and the Democratic Party purchased a permanent headquarters and adjacent lots for future development. The property has already doubled in value, saving the party approximately $70,000 annually. In 2020, the South Carolina Democratic Party was the only state Party in the country that did not shutter its doors while protecting the health and safety of our staff and volunteers – a remarkable feat in the face of COVID.
“In 2019, we created one of America’s most exciting state conventions, which saw MSNBC broadcast live and over 20 presidential candidates. A dedicated team of college students and interns did all of this. I am so grateful to them and proud that they have gone on to bigger and better jobs saving our country. Working with them has been the most amazing part of this experience.”
Most importantly, Robertson was part of the leadership that secured South Carolina Democrats the first in the nation Presidential Primary, which will bring tens of millions of dollars to South Carolina businesses and will ensure that South Carolina sensibility is a valuable voice in selecting future Presidents.
“With the hard work of our leadership – with the teamwork of many – we have made so much progress. I look forward to building on these relationships and serving South Carolina into the future,” Robertson concluded. “I hope to start by supporting the election of Christale Spain as our first African American woman as party chair. I believe she has the experience, leadership, and professionalism to grow the party in making South Carolina a better place for everyone.”
