NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC — The John Vincent for Congress campaign hosted its "Fight for Democracy Festival" this weekend at the Mad Gator Grill in Barefoot Landing, drawing a record crowd that far exceeded expectations. The event, which was initially projected to attract 200 attendees, welcomed over 350 registered participants with many more joining without formal registration.

"The tremendous turnout at our Fight for Democracy Festival demonstrates that voters in South Carolina's 7th Congressional District are hungry for authentic representation and ready for change," said John Vincent, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress. "People from all walks of life came together not just to hear political speeches, but to celebrate our democratic values as a community."

The three-hour festival featured live musical performances by vocalist Genesis and folk singer Mike Bailey, and a DJ creating a vibrant atmosphere on the spacious back deck of the Mad Gator Grill. Attendees enjoyed food, music, and fellowship while engaging with candidates running for various offices throughout South Carolina.

Several prominent candidates addressed the enthusiastic crowd, including:

• George Blumenthal, candidate for SC House District 104

• Brandon Brown, candidate for U.S. Senate

• Dr. Jermaine Johnson, current SC House Representative for District 52, who is exploring a run for Governor

• Kathy Redwine, candidate for SC House District 108

• Sylvia Wright, candidate for SC Superintendent of Education

In his keynote address, Vincent emphasized the importance of one-on-one conversations in rebuilding democratic participation. "Don't hate your Trump-flag-flying neighbors – they're just late realizing they're being conned.     The real enemies are the super-wealthy trying to get Americans to turn on each other and their spineless political minions who fail to stand up for us, like Congressman Russell Fry who would rather hide out with his Mar-a-Lago buddies in exclusive fundraisers than face his constituents in town halls," Vincent told the crowd.

The event concluded with Vincent being joined on stage by his wife Deb and family to enthusiastic applause.

"The energy we witnessed at this event confirms what our campaign has been seeing on the ground for months," said Deb Vincent.  "Voters are tired of being ignored by Representative Fry and are ready for a congressman who will fight for families, veterans, and common-sense solutions."

The Vincent campaign plans to build on this momentum with additional community events throughout the district in the coming months.