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<h2>Privacy Policy</h2><h2>1. Introduction</h2>John Vincent for Congress (“we,” “our,” or “the Campaign”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information you provide while using our website <a href="https://www.vincentforcongress.com/">VincentForCongress.com</a>. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.By accessing or using our Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our Website.<h2>2. Information We Collect</h2>We may collect the following types of information:<h4>A. 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"The same sense of duty that drove me to defend our nation in the Navy now compels me to fight for YOU in our Great 8 Counties. Washington has failed us—but together, we WILL restore common sense and deliver the future our families deserve."

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<h2>Thank you so much!</h2>Our campaign depends on you. We will reach out to you shortly.We currently are in need of:<ul><li>Social media followers who can join groups in their area of interest (like Veterans, Gen Zers, Seniors, nurses, etc.) and repost our policy messages, then report back.</li><li>Students who can help organize discussion events for John</li><li>Creatives who can put their skill to work for the campaign</li><li>Fundraising host</li><li>Staff at public events, like the No Kings rally and community festivals</li></ul>When you receive our call or email, please let us know any special skill you have that can help our campaign.

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Meet John Vincent

<h2>Thank You from Team Vincent!</h2>Your generous contribution validates our vision for a campaign powered by the people, not special interests.While our opponent received less than 3% of his contributions from everyday voters donating $100 or less, Vincent's campaign is built on a vastly different foundation. Your donation - whether $5 or $500 - proves that real change comes from real people who believe in Vincent values.John Vincent pledges to not take money from special interest and corporate PACs. Every dollar you contribute strengthens our voice for transparency, community engagement, and genuine representation. Together, we're building a victorious grassroots movement that puts people over profits and voters over corporate interests.Thank you for being part of Vincent's vision for authentic, accessible leadership.

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The Hidden Crisis of Seasonal Employment

Prepared By: The John Vincent Campaign Update: November 17, 2025 Version: 1.0<h2>EXECUTIVE SUMMARY</h2>South Carolina's 7th Congressional District, home to the Grand Strand and one of the nation's premier tourism destinations, faces a paradox: the very industry that drives our economy leaves thousands of working families in crisis every year. While tourism brings prosperity to our region, the seasonal nature of hospitality employment creates a cycle of economic instability that threatens the foundation of our communities.The Core Problem: Families working in tourism and hospitality—our district's largest employment sector—face months without work, inadequate healthcare, and wages that cannot keep pace with rising housing costs. These are not statistics; these are our neighbors, the people who serve our visitors and make the Grand Strand the destination it is today.<h2>THE SCOPE OF THE CRISIS</h2><h3>Tourism's Dominance and Its Double Edge</h3>The Grand Strand's tourism industry generates billions in annual revenue and employs tens of thousands of residents. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail establishments depend on seasonal workers to meet summer demand. But when Labor Day passes and the crowds thin, these same workers face a harsh reality:<ul><li>Months without steady income as businesses reduce staff or close entirely</li><li>No employer-provided health benefits during off-season layoffs</li><li>Depleted savings from trying to stretch summer earnings across twelve months</li><li>Forced reliance on SNAP and other government assistance just to feed their families</li></ul><h3>TOURISM &amp; HOSPITALITY BY THE NUMBERS</h3>The statistics reveal both the industry's impressive scale and its fundamental vulnerabilities:<h4>Employment Impact:</h4><ul><li>24% of all jobs in Horry County are hospitality-based—37,238 out of 157,162 workers (source: Tourism Works for the Grand Strand)</li><li>82,000+ jobs supported by tourism throughout the Grand Strand (direct and indirect) based on 2024 JobsEQ data </li><li>Accommodation &amp; Food Services is the second-largest industry in Horry County with 21,653 employees, trailing only Retail Trade (22,814)</li><li>SC-07's total workforce stands at 318,000 people, with tourism representing a significant portion of employment</li></ul><h4>Economic Scale:</h4><ul><li>$13.2 billion in visitor spending in 2024, up 5.3% from $12.5 billion in 2023 (source: DK Shifflet Visitor Volume &amp; Spending Study)</li><li>$26 billion+ total economic impact when accounting for indirect and induced effects</li><li>18.2 million visitors came to the Myrtle Beach area in 2024</li><li>66% of sales tax revenue in Horry County comes from visitors (source: Visa data)</li><li>$59.3 million generated in Horry County Hospitality Fee taxes in 2024</li></ul><h4>Other Industry in SC-07 Comparisons: </h4><ul><li>Health Care &amp; Social Assistance: 43,549 workers</li><li>Retail Trade: 42,049 workers</li><li>Manufacturing: 34,364 workers</li></ul><h4>Unique Regional Characteristics:</h4><ul><li>80 golf courses generate $1.6 billion and support 13,000+ jobs (2024 study)</li><li>157,000+ accommodation units across 425 hotels—on par with Las Vegas</li><li>2,000+ restaurants serving the tourism market</li><li>60 miles of beaches forming the core attraction</li></ul>2024 Performance: The tourism industry showed strong growth in 2024, with visitor spending increasing 5.3% year-over-year. This growth came despite national headwinds like inflation and geopolitical tensions that softened tourism in other U.S. destinations. The Grand Strand's family-friendly attributes and strategic marketing gave it a competitive edge.The Seasonal Paradox: While CCU economists estimate that 80% of local tourism jobs are year-round, full-time, this statistic masks the reality that many of these "year-round" positions experience dramatic seasonal fluctuations in hours and income. A "full-time" restaurant manager might work 60 hours a week in summer but see hours cut to 25-30 during winter months, with corresponding income reductions.Sources: Tourism Works for the Grand Strand, DK Shifflet Visitor Volume &amp; Spending Study, Data USA, Horry County Government, S.C. Department of Revenue, Coastal Carolina University economic studies<h3>The Housing Affordability Crisis</h3>The mathematics of survival in SC-07 are brutal:<ul><li>A minimum wage worker must work more than 100 hours per week just to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Grand Strand</li><li>This calculation doesn't include food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, or childcare</li><li>Meanwhile, the construction boom focuses on vacation rentals and second homes, not workforce housing</li><li>Year-round workers are being priced out of the communities they serve</li></ul><h3>The Healthcare Gap</h3>Tourism and hospitality jobs rarely offer comprehensive health benefits. For seasonal workers, the situation is even more dire:<ul><li>Families go months without any health coverage</li><li>A single emergency room visit can wipe out an entire summer's savings</li><li>Chronic conditions go untreated because workers cannot afford preventive care</li><li>Parents delay their own medical needs to pay for their children's care</li></ul><h3>The Education Trap</h3>The lure of immediate income in tourism creates a devastating cycle:<ul><li>Young people drop out of high school or skip tech school or college for quick-money tourism jobs</li><li>Without skills or credentials, they remain trapped in low-wage, seasonal work</li><li>The cycle repeats with the next generation</li><li>Our district loses the skilled workforce needed for economic diversification</li></ul><h2>REAL FAMILIES, REAL STRUGGLES</h2>Marylou's Story: A single mother working as a hotel housekeeper earns $12/hour during peak season. She works 50-60 hours per week from May through September, saving every dollar she can. By November, her hours drop to 15 per week. By January, she's usually laid off, but she holds out hope her employer will keep her on this year with minimal hours.&nbsp; She relies on SNAP benefits to feed her two children and has delayed dental work for three years because she cannot afford the $800 procedure. Last winter, her son broke his arm, and the $3,200 emergency room bill consumed her entire savings. She was one unexpected expense away from eviction.The Rodriguez Family: Both parents work in restaurants—he as a line cook, she as a server. Combined, they earn about $45,000 during the busy season. They have no health insurance. Their teenage daughter showed promise in school but dropped out at 16 to work at a beachwear shop, seduced by the immediate paycheck. Now 19, she's stuck in the same cycle as her parents, with no clear path forward.James's Reality: A 58-year-old maintenance worker at a resort has worked in hospitality for 35 years. He has no retirement savings, no pension, and no health insurance outside the summer months. He's developed diabetes but cannot afford consistent medication or doctor visits. He knows he should retire but cannot afford to stop working. He represents thousands of older workers in our district facing the same impossible choice.<h2>THE POLICY SOLUTIONS</h2>John Vincent believes that the people who make our tourism economy possible deserve dignity, stability, and opportunity. His comprehensive plan addresses both immediate relief and long-term transformation:<h3>1. Raise the Minimum Wage</h3><ul><li>Increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour, indexed to inflation</li><li>This ensures that full-time work provides a living wage, even during slower seasons</li><li>Reduces reliance on government assistance programs</li><li>Stimulates local economy as workers have more purchasing power</li></ul><h3>2. Expand Healthcare Access</h3><ul><li>Support Medicaid expansion in South Carolina to cover the healthcare gap</li><li>Create a public option for seasonal workers during off-season months</li><li>Establish community health centers specifically serving hospitality workers</li><li>Mandate portable benefits that follow workers between seasonal jobs</li></ul><h3>3. Invest in Workforce Housing</h3><ul><li>Federal incentives for developers who build affordable, year-round rental housing</li><li>Restrict the conversion of residential properties to short-term vacation rentals in high-impact areas</li><li>Create a workforce housing trust fund using a small percentage of tourism tax revenue</li><li>Establish rent stabilization measures to prevent displacement of long-term residents</li></ul><h3>4. Transform Education and Training</h3><ul><li>Expand Pell Grant eligibility for part-time students and non-traditional learners</li><li>Create apprenticeship programs in partnership with Horry-Georgetown Technical College</li><li>Establish "earn while you learn" programs that allow hospitality workers to gain credentials without losing income</li><li>Develop career pathways from entry-level tourism jobs to management and skilled trades</li><li>Partner with local businesses to create year-round employment opportunities in emerging sectors</li></ul><h3>5. Stabilize Seasonal Employment</h3><ul><li>Incentivize businesses to maintain year-round staffing through tax credits</li><li>Create a seasonal worker unemployment insurance program with extended benefits</li><li>Support economic diversification to reduce over-reliance on tourism</li><li>Attract industries that provide stable, year-round employment</li></ul><h3>6. Strengthen Worker Protections</h3><ul><li>Ensure fair scheduling practices that give workers predictable hours</li><li>Mandate paid sick leave so workers don't choose between health and income</li><li>Protect workers from wage theft and tip skimming</li><li>Strengthen collective bargaining rights for hospitality workers</li></ul><h3>THE OPPOSITION'S FAILURE</h3>For too long, our representatives have celebrated tourism revenue while ignoring the workers who generate it. They've:<ul><li>Blocked minimum wage increases while cost of living soared</li><li>Refused Medicaid expansion, leaving 300,000 South Carolinians without coverage</li><li>Prioritized developers and vacation property owners over working families</li><li>Cut funding for education and workforce development</li></ul><h3>WHY THIS MATTERS NOW</h3>We are currently in the off-season. Right now, thousands of families in our district are:<ul><li>Stretching their last paychecks from summer</li><li>Choosing between rent and groceries</li><li>Avoiding doctor visits they desperately need</li><li>Wondering how they'll make it to spring</li></ul>This isn't a future crisis—it's happening today, in our communities, to our neighbors.<h3>JOHN VINCENT'S COMMITMENT</h3>John Vincent understands that a strong economy must work for everyone, not just those at the top. He believes:<ul><li>Every job should pay a living wage</li><li>Healthcare is a right, not a privilege</li><li>Housing should be affordable for the people who make our communities run</li><li>Education is the pathway to opportunity</li><li>Workers deserve dignity, stability, and respect</li></ul>John will fight in Congress to ensure that the families who power our tourism economy can build stable, secure lives in the communities they serve.<h3>CALL TO ACTION</h3>The choice is clear: we can continue down the path of economic instability and working poverty, or we can build an economy that works for everyone. John Vincent is ready to lead that fight."We don't have to accept an economy where hardworking families live on the edge of disaster. We can do better, and we will." — John Vincent

Become a Vincent Voice and vigorously advocate to prospective Vincent Voters in your vicinity.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/1e7e2344-caba-496d-bcc9-f66310d186eb/1e7e2344-caba-496d-bcc9-f66310d186eb.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C500%2C500&amp;w=1500" alt="Vincent Vibe Volunteers" caption="Catch the Vincent Vibe" align="left" alignwidth="25" variant="base">Catch the Vincent VibeWe're seeking Vincent Visionaries to innovate in our social media ventures: video creators, visual artists, vibrant photographers, and virtuoso graphic designers to generate Vincent Viral moments.Vigorous Veterans can help with public events and venue visits across our vibrant community.If you're willing to host a fundraiser, you'll join our Valued Vincent Vanguard - our most vital supporters driving this victorious venture forward.Ready to validate Vincent's Vision? Volunteer today and help us achieve Vincent Victory!

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South Carolina Deserves Better! The people of our Great 8 counties are warm-hearted and diverse. &nbsp; But many fear that they are losing their stake in the “American Dream”.&nbsp; While I have never wanted to be a politician, these are not normal times. Again, I rise to the call to defend: our People, our Constitution, our Country.

<h2>Why am I running for Congress?</h2>South Carolina Deserves Better! The people of our Great 8 counties are warm-hearted and diverse. &nbsp; But many fear that they are losing their stake in the “American Dream”.&nbsp; While I have never wanted to be a politician, these are not normal times. Again, I rise to the call to defend: our People, our Constitution, our Country.<h2>A Lifetime of Service and Leadership</h2>John Vincent is more than a candidate—he is a proven leader equipped with the experience and character to represent the people of South Carolina’s 7th District with integrity.<h5>His Personal and Professional Journey</h5><img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/517b5044-b125-4fd0-b791-98a7fdd8231a/517b5044-b125-4fd0-b791-98a7fdd8231a.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=12%2C0%2C164%2C187&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">John is the proud son of a middle-class family. John’s father, the son of an immigrant from the Azores, was an educator who became assistant superintendent of local schools.&nbsp; John’s father also worked a second job at night at a restaurant as a maitre d’ in order to pay for his children’s higher educations - including undergraduate degrees, five master's degrees, and two PhDs. &nbsp; His relentless work ethic, humility, commitment to education, and sacrifice for family fundamentally shaped John's character.Fulfilling his childhood passion for the ocean and a call to serve, John joined the U.S. Navy and dedicated 20 years to military service. He progressed through the ranks to achieve the distinguished position of Command Master Chief, a senior enlisted leader responsible for the welfare, training, and morale of service members.Much of his career was spent in the high-pressure environment of submarine operations. He later led a large, multi-branch command across seven bases and five military branches. This leadership role required strategic thinking, crisis management, and advocacy—a record that directly translates into his ability to fight for constituents in Washington.<h5>Leadership Development</h5><img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/ad80c943-e2d5-4585-aa0f-056bc60e1aef/c74f5957-9788-473d-8580-fcbf8d34bf60.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3339%2C3072&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">After retiring from the Navy, John became a top leadership development consultant with the prestigeous Gallup organization advising major corporations. He then founded his own uccessful small business focused on leadership development and service-based consulting. His work supported public servants, including municipal leaders, fire and police departments, and nonprofits across the nation.<h5>A Partnership with Deb Vincent</h5>Central to John's story is his wife, Deb Vincent. Together, the couple authored The Submarine Way, an Amazon best-selling book about interdependent collaboration and inclusive leadership under pressure—a skill honed in the Navy and now applied to governance and public service. Their partnership is foundational to John’s campaign and reflects a team built on mutual respect and a shared mission to uplift others. Deb is not only a spouse but a partner in service and leadership.When not at hard work, John and Deb can often be found and the beach !

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2026 United States House of Representatives elections

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<h3>National and State-Level Employment Crisis</h3><h4>Nationwide Job Losses Surge in 2025</h4>The Administration touts a "rosy" economy, citing the stock market as proof. While that might be good news for the wealthy, the job market reveals the true state of affairs for working families.A severe economic downturn has taken hold across the United States in 2025, marked by a dramatic rise in job losses. According to data from Challenger, Gray &amp; Christmas, U.S.-based employers have announced more than 1.17 million job cuts so far this year—the highest level of layoffs since the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 [<a href="https://thehill.com/business/5633232-2025-layoffs-highs-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Layoffs so far in 2025 highest...</a>]. This represents a 54% increase compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring a rapidly deteriorating labor market [<a href="https://fortune.com/2025/12/09/forever-layoffs-job-security-k-shaped-economy-white-collar-recession-challenger-glassdoor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">'Forever layoffs' hit a recess...</a>]. The November 2025 report alone detailed 71,321 job cuts, continuing a trend driven by economic instability, cost-cutting measures, and corporate restructuring [<a href="https://www.challengergray.com/blog/challenger-report-71321-job-cuts-on-restructurings-closings-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">71321 Job Cuts on Restructurin...</a>]. These nationwide job losses are not isolated incidents but signs of systemic economic challenges affecting workers in every sector and region.<h2>The Closure of Tyson’s Lexington Plant: A Devastating Blow to a Single-Employer Town</h2>One of the most impactful single-site layoffs in 2025 occurred in Lexington, Nebraska, where Tyson Foods announced the closure of its beef processing plant, eliminating approximately 3,200 jobs [<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/21/nebraskans-lament-tyson-decision-to-close-lexington-plant-with-3200-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nebraskans lament Tyson decisi...</a>]. The plant, one of the largest employers in the region, supported a city of just 11,000 residents, making this closure an existential economic threat to the community [<a href="https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/12/14/tysons-beef-plant-closure-in-nebraska-to-impact-town-ranchers-nationwide-out-west-roundup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyson's beef plant closure in ...</a>]. Tyson attributed the shutdown to record-high cattle costs, which rose by nearly $2 billion in fiscal year 2025, and a projected $600 million loss in its beef division [<a href="https://cap.unl.edu/news/understanding-tyson-lexington-plant-closure-what-it-means-cattle-producers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Understanding the Tyson Lexing...</a>].The decision has triggered widespread criticism. Local leaders, workers, and union representatives have condemned the closure, noting that Tyson’s profits in the beef packing sector actually surged following the announcement [<a href="https://www.centralnebraskatoday.com/2025/12/09/the-impact-is-real-and-devastating-dan-osborn-criticizes-tysons-decision-to-close-lexington-facility/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">'The impact is real and devast...</a>]. The United Food &amp; Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) issued a statement criticizing the decision and warning of significant ripple effects across cattle producers, ranchers, and supply chain workers nationwide [<a href="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/ufcw-statement-on-closure-of-lexington-ne-tyson-foods-beef-plant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UFCW Statement on Closure of L...</a>]. State and local agencies have begun mobilizing assistance programs, with over 740 former Tyson workers already enrolled in unemployment and retraining services [<a href="https://www.1011now.com/2025/12/05/over-740-tyson-workers-turn-state-assistance-lexington-plant-shutdown-nears/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Over 740 Tyson workers turn to...</a>]. This case exemplifies how mass layoffs in critical industries can devastate entire communities, especially those dependent on a single employer.<h2>Policy Failures and Missed Opportunities in Workforce Protection</h2>Despite the increasing frequency and scale of mass layoffs, federal policy remains insufficient to protect communities from economic collapse triggered by corporate restructuring. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days’ notice before a plant closure or mass layoff affecting 50 or more workers [<a href="https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/Layoff_Services_WARN/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Worker Adjustment and Retraini...</a>]. However, this federal law does not restrict the percentage of employees that can be laid off at one location, only mandating notification.In contrast, several states have enacted stronger “mini-WARN” laws. For example, Washington’s new mini-WARN Act, effective July 27, 2025, lowers notice thresholds and removes the single-site limitation, offering broader protections to workers [<a href="https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/07/washingtons-mini-warn-act-goes-into-effect-on-july-27-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Washington's Mini-WARN Act Goe...</a>]. California also recently strengthened its WARN Act with SB 617, signed into law on October 1, 2025, expanding notice requirements and closing loopholes exploited by corporations [<a href="https://www.pbw-law.com/how-the-end-of-californias-2025-session-sets-the-new-standards-for-employers-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">End of California's 2025 Sessi...</a>]. Notably, California and Washington employ thresholds based on percentages of the workforce. Under these laws, layoffs affecting more than 33% of employees at a worksite can trigger enhanced notification and mitigation obligations, even if the absolute number of workers affected is below federal thresholds [<a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Htm/Bill%20Reports/House/5525-S.E%20HBR%20APH%2025.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5525-S.E HBR APH 25</a>].A proposed national policy reform would adopt a similar percentage-based cap: restricting corporations from laying off more than 33% of employees at any single location without prior government review and mandatory economic impact mitigation. Such a policy would prevent abrupt closures in vulnerable communities like Lexington and Florence County and compel employers to consider long-term economic consequences alongside short-term financial decisions.<h2>South Carolina’s Manufacturing Sector Faces Mounting Challenges</h2>South Carolina, a state historically reliant on manufacturing and global trade, is facing a sharp decline in industrial employment in 2025. Multiple factories across the state have shut down or reduced operations due to market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and federal policy uncertainty.Recent WARN notices reveal a pattern of layoffs:<ul><li>PL Developments, a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Piedmont, laid off 114 workers by October 2025 [<a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/greenville/business/pl-developments-manufacturing-layoffs-pharmaceuticals-greenville/article_8508fa07-11e3-4d2d-9374-5492bc97d971.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PL Developments laying off emp...</a>].</li><li>Queen City Plastics in Fort Mill eliminated 42 jobs due to operational cuts [<a href="https://www.heraldonline.com/news/business/article312855232.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Queen City Plastics to lose 42...</a>].</li><li>A manufacturing facility in Gaston County is expected to lay off 296 workers by year-end [<a href="https://www.wbtv.com/2025/11/03/nearly-300-layoffs-coming-with-factory-gaston-county-set-close/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nearly 300 layoffs coming with...</a>].</li></ul>Even larger employers have been affected. Nestlé announced a 4,000-headcount reduction in manufacturing and supply chains, though it remains unclear whether this will impact its Gaffney, South Carolina, facility [<a href="https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2025/10/17/nestle-layoffs-impact-gaffney-south-carolina-plant-what-know/86750058007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Will Nestlé layoffs impact Sou...</a>]. Volvo temporarily halted production at its Lowcountry plant due to parts shortages, though operations resumed shortly after [<a href="https://scdailygazette.com/2025/05/30/volvo-suspends-production-at-sc-plant-citing-parts-shortages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Volvo temporarily suspends pro...</a>]. According to USAFacts, 1.0% of South Carolina’s workforce was laid off or discharged in July 2025—a rate consistent with ongoing job losses across the manufacturing sector [<a href="https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-are-laid-off-each-month/state/south-carolina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How many people are laid off i...</a>].Worse still, the $1.6 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant planned for Florence County—one of the most anticipated economic development projects in the Southeast—has been on hold since June 2025. The company cited “policy and market uncertainty,” including federal tariffs on critical battery components and shifting EV incentives, as key factors in halting construction [<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/21/nebraskans-lament-tyson-decision-to-close-lexington-plant-with-3200-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nebraskans lament Tyson decisi...</a>]. This project was expected to create between 1,600 and 1,700 high-paying jobs, and its suspension represents a profound setback for regional economic growth.<h2>Congressional Inaction and Policy Hypocrisy</h2>Instead of advocating for policies to stabilize South Carolina’s manufacturing economy and prevent large-scale layoffs, U.S. Representative Russell Fry has publicly praised the very federal actions contributing to economic instability. Fry celebrated recent tariff policies as a “major win” on national news, despite these same policies being cited by companies as reasons for delays and shutdowns [<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/21/nebraskans-lament-tyson-decision-to-close-lexington-plant-with-3200-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nebraskans lament Tyson decisi...</a>]. This contradiction highlights a disconnect between congressional rhetoric and the real-world economic struggles faced by South Carolinians.A full trade war, driven by aggressive and unpredictable tariffs, could cost South Carolina:<ul><li>86,000 jobs</li><li>$7.5 billion in lost wages</li><li>$15.2 billion in Gross Domestic Product [<a href="https://thehill.com/business/5633232-2025-layoffs-highs-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Layoffs so far in 2025 highest...</a>]</li></ul>These losses would disproportionately impact the state’s manufacturing, agricultural, and export-dependent industries.<h2>The Case for John Vincent: A Plan for Economic Stability and Worker Protection</h2>John Vincent, a Navy Command Master Chief with 20 years of service, is running for Congress to restore leadership grounded in accountability, stability, and long-term planning. Vincent’s platform offers a clear alternative to the current economic chaos:✅ Eliminate random, ever-changing tariffs that destabilize supply chains and discourage investment in American manufacturing. ✅ Introduce a national cap on mass layoffs, modeled after California and Washington’s 33% threshold, to protect single-employer towns from economic collapse. ✅ Expand employer tax credits to incentivize wage increases and worker retraining during transitions. ✅ Secure fair market access for South Carolina’s farmers and manufacturers to ensure global competitiveness. ✅ Rebuild infrastructure and protect coastal and rural communities vital to the state’s tourism and agricultural industries.Vincent’s military background instilled a disciplined, mission-focused approach to leadership—qualities desperately needed in a time of economic uncertainty.<h2>Call to Action: Demand Better Leadership</h2>When families are choosing between prescriptions and gas, when veterans wait months for care, and when small businesses struggle to survive, partisan grandstanding is not leadership—it is failure.John Vincent is ready to serve.

The Administration touts the "rosy" economy pointing to the stock market as evidence. Perhaps for the rich, but for working families, the job market tells the real story.

1.17 MILLION AMERICAN JOBS LOST IN 2025

Alleged Illegal U.S. Naval Strike and the Betrayal of Military Ethics: A Report on Leadership Failure and Accountability<h2>The Incident: A Second Strike on Survivors in International Waters</h2>Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Navy conducted a military operation off the coast of Venezuela on September 2, 2025, targeting a vessel suspected of narcotics trafficking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_military_strikes_on_alleged_drug_traffickers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10</a>. While counter-narcotics interdiction operations are authorized under specific legal frameworks, what followed has ignited national and international controversy: a reported second strike on survivors found clinging to wreckage in the water after the initial attack.Multiple news outlets, including CNN and NBC News, confirm that the U.S. military carried out a follow-up strike after the first attack failed to kill all individuals aboard the boat <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/28/politics/us-military-second-strike-caribbean" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">9</a>. The Washington Post reported that two survivors were seen holding onto debris before a second strike was ordered, resulting in their deaths <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/white-house-admiral-approved-second-strike-boat-venezuela-was-well-within-legal-2025-12-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6</a>. This escalation—from disabling or capturing suspected traffickers to deliberately targeting survivors in distress—falls under intense scrutiny for potential violations of the Law of Armed Conflict.<h2>The Legal Framework: Why Targeting Survivors Is a War Crime</h2>The U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual explicitly prohibits attacks on individuals who are no longer combatants due to shipwreck, injury, or surrender. The manual states: “For example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.” This principle is universally cited across legal analyses as a fundamental rule rooted in both customary international law and treaty obligations, including the Geneva Conventions.Jurists and military law experts agree that such an order is so blatantly unlawful that it cannot be justified under any exception—whether in armed conflict or during peacetime law enforcement operations <a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/experts-explain-what-the-law-says-about-killing-21217298.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">34</a>. As noted by experts cited in outlets like Time and Just Security, service members have a legal duty to refuse such orders, and superiors who issue them may face criminal prosecution <a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/125948/illegal-orders-shipwrecked-boat-strike-survivors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">29</a><a href="https://time.com/7337735/pete-hegseth-boat-strike-caribbean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">38</a>. The principle is clear: no order overrides the prohibition against murder.<h2>Key Figures and Their Roles in the Escalation</h2><h3>Pete Hegseth: Authorization of Lethal Force</h3>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is cited in multiple sources as having issued a verbal order to "kill everyone" on board the suspected drug vessel <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/28/hegseth-kill-them-all-survivors-boat-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">25</a>. The Washington Post reported Hegseth issued a directive for a full-kill mission during the first strike, and when survivors remained, a second strike was carried out in compliance <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/white-house-admiral-approved-second-strike-boat-venezuela-was-well-within-legal-2025-12-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6</a>. Hegseth, appearing on Fox News, defended the operation as necessary in a “war on drugs,” stating, “Biden coddled terrorists; we kill them” <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hegseth-defends-lethal-strikes-against-alleged-drug-traffickers-biden-coddled-terrorists-we-kill-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">24</a>. ABC News further reports that Hegseth declined to comment on whether he authorized the killing of survivors <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hegseth-declines-comment-report-boat-survivors-killed-result/story?id=127951385" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">22</a>.Critically, Hegseth admitted watching the strikes in real-time via a live video feed, a detail that underscores direct civilian oversight and personal involvement in operational decisions <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/28/hegseth-kill-them-all-survivors-boat-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">25</a>.<h3>Admiral Frank Bradley: The Operational Executor</h3>U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley is identified as the military commander who authorized and executed the second strike. According to PBS News and The Hill, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes,” clarifying the chain of delegation <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-white-house-holds-briefing-as-lawmakers-support-review-of-trumps-boat-strikes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">49</a><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5628986-admiral-bradley-pentagon-directive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">54</a>. Following the initial attack, Admiral Bradley reportedly ordered follow-up strikes that eliminated all survivors and ensured the wreckage sank <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/01/us/hegseth-drug-boat-strike-order-venezuela.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">12</a>.While Bradley acted as the operational commander, legal liability does not absolve a superior civilian official—especially one who set a tone of extermination.<h3>Karoline Leavitt: Deflecting Blame and Shielding Political Figures</h3>In multiple press briefings in December 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the authorization of the second strike but consistently framed Admiral Bradley as the decision-maker <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYLLHlNmRZU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">52</a>. While acknowledging Hegseth’s authorization, her public statements emphasized Bradley’s role, defending him as “well within legal authority” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXKnlG_tPUU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">48</a>.This rhetorical strategy has been widely criticized as an attempt to “throw the admiral under the bus”—a tactic where a uniformed officer is publicly scapegoated to protect political appointees and administration leadership. By naming Bradley as the one who “ordered the strike” while soft-pedaling Hegseth’s explicit “kill everyone” directive, Leavitt shifted public focus away from the policy originators toward the executor—a move with profound implications for military morale and civil-military relations <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/white-house-admiral-approved-second-strike-boat-venezuela-was-well-within-legal-2025-12-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">46</a>.<h2>The Impact on Military Personnel: A No-Win Situation</h2>U.S. service members are trained to follow lawful orders, but are also taught that obedience to illegal orders is itself a crime. The U.S. military code, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), mandates that troops challenge orders that violate the laws of war <a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/125948/illegal-orders-shipwrecked-boat-strike-survivors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">29</a>.In this case, those tasked with carrying out the second strike were placed in an impossible ethical and legal dilemma:<ul><li>Disobey the order and face disciplinary action or court-martial for insubordination.</li><li>Obey and potentially commit war crimes for which they could be prosecuted.</li></ul>This “no-win” scenario is a failure not of the troops, but of leadership. The burden of clarity lies with commanders and civilian leaders to issue lawful, moral directives. When political appointees like Hegseth signal extreme lethality—and the White House then deflects blame onto uniformed leaders like Admiral Bradley—it erodes trust in the chain of command and demoralizes the force <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-briefs-members-of-the-media-nov-12-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1</a>.<h2>John Vincent’s Outrage: A Veteran’s Perspective on Leadership and Accountability</h2>John Vincent, a former Command Master Chief in the U.S. Navy and congressional candidate running on a platform of integrity, service, and accountability, has expressed profound outrage over this incident. His campaign materials emphasize respect for veterans, ethical leadership, and restoring honor to public service [Campaign Brief_ 20261128 - John Vincent For Congress.pdf].From Vincent’s perspective, this episode exemplifies a pattern of disrespect toward the military:<ul><li>The administration uses the Navy as a tool for political messaging but fails to uphold the legal and ethical standards the military swears to defend.</li><li>When controversy arises, the uniform is blamed—not the policymakers.</li><li>Veterans are hailed in speeches, but their values are violated in practice.</li></ul>As Vincent would argue, “Supporting our troops” is not about symbolism. It means ensuring the orders they follow are lawful, the leadership they serve under is ethical, and accountability flows both upward and downward—especially to those in civilian command roles who initiate action from behind a desk.By protecting Hegseth and spotlighting Bradley, the White House signals that political loyalty outweighs military honor—a toxic precedent for future operations <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-white-house-holds-briefing-as-lawmakers-support-review-of-trumps-boat-strikes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">49</a>.<h2>Conclusion: Leadership, Not Uniforms, Is What Failed</h2>The Venezuela boat strike of September 2, 2025, is not merely a military operation gone wrong. It is a case study in how political leadership can compromise the foundational ethics of the armed forces. The order to kill survivors in the water violated the DoD Law of War Manual <a href="https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/experts-explain-what-the-law-says-about-killing-21217298.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">33</a><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/01/pete-hegseth-military-orders-boat-mark-kelly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">39</a>, and the subsequent response by the White House—led by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt—exposed a disturbing willingness to sacrifice military leaders to shield political figures.True support for service members means providing clear, legal, and moral orders—and holding the highest officials accountable when those standards are breached. Admiral Bradley may have pressed the button, but the order originated from a climate of permissiveness created at the top.As investigations continue and bipartisan scrutiny mounts <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lawmakers-skeptical-alleged-hegseth-kill-orders-venezuela-issue-stark-warning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">28</a>, one point remains unassailable: The Navy didn’t fail. The leadership did.

Alleged Illegal U.S. Naval Strike and the Betrayal of Military Ethics: A Report on Leadership Failure and Accountability

Is Hegseth Guilty of War Crimes

Community event in North Myrtle Beach demonstrates growing momentum behind Vincent campaignNORTH 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:<ul><li>George Blumenthal, candidate for SC House District 104</li><li>Brandon Brown, candidate for U.S. Senate</li><li>Dr. Jermaine Johnson, current SC House Representative for District 52, who is exploring a run for Governor</li><li>Kathy Redwine, candidate for SC House District 108</li><li>Sylvia Wright, candidate for SC Superintendent of Education</li></ul>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. &nbsp; &nbsp; 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.&nbsp; "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.

Community event in North Myrtle Beach demonstrates growing momentum behind Vincent campaignNORTH 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.

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"FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY FESTIVAL" DRAWS RECORD CROWD OF 350+

South Carolina's 7th Congressional District, home to the Grand Strand and one of the nation's premier tourism destinations, faces a paradox: the very industry that drives our economy leaves thousands of working families in crisis every year. While tourism brings prosperity to our region, the seasonal nature of hospitality employment creates a cycle of economic instability that threatens the foundation of our communities.The Core Problem: Families working in tourism and hospitality—our district's largest employment sector—face months without work, inadequate healthcare, and wages that cannot keep pace with rising housing costs. These are not statistics; these are our neighbors, the people who serve our visitors and make the Grand Strand the destination it is today.<h2>THE SCOPE OF THE CRISIS</h2><h3>Tourism's Dominance and Its Double Edge</h3>The Grand Strand's tourism industry generates billions in annual revenue and employs tens of thousands of residents. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and retail establishments depend on seasonal workers to meet summer demand. But when Labor Day passes and the crowds thin, these same workers face a harsh reality:<ul><li>Months without steady income as businesses reduce staff or close entirely</li><li>No employer-provided health benefits during off-season layoffs</li><li>Depleted savings from trying to stretch summer earnings across twelve months</li><li>Forced reliance on SNAP and other government assistance just to feed their families</li></ul><h3>TOURISM &amp; HOSPITALITY BY THE NUMBERS</h3>The statistics reveal both the industry's impressive scale and its fundamental vulnerabilities:<h4>Employment Impact:</h4><ul><li>24% of all jobs in Horry County are hospitality-based—37,238 out of 157,162 workers (source: Tourism Works for the Grand Strand)</li><li>82,000+ jobs supported by tourism throughout the Grand Strand (direct and indirect) based on 2024 JobsEQ data</li><li>Accommodation &amp; Food Services is the second-largest industry in Horry County with 21,653 employees, trailing only Retail Trade (22,814)</li><li>SC-07's total workforce stands at 318,000 people, with tourism representing a significant portion of employment</li></ul><h4>Economic Scale:</h4><ul><li>$13.2 billion in visitor spending in 2024, up 5.3% from $12.5 billion in 2023 (source: DK Shifflet Visitor Volume &amp; Spending Study)</li><li>$26 billion+ total economic impact when accounting for indirect and induced effects</li><li>18.2 million visitors came to the Myrtle Beach area in 2024</li><li>66% of sales tax revenue in Horry County comes from visitors (source: Visa data)</li><li>$59.3 million generated in Horry County Hospitality Fee taxes in 2024</li></ul><h4>Other Industry in SC-07 Comparisons:</h4><ul><li>Health Care &amp; Social Assistance: 43,549 workers</li><li>Retail Trade: 42,049 workers</li><li>Manufacturing: 34,364 workers</li></ul><h4>Unique Regional Characteristics:</h4><ul><li>80 golf courses generate $1.6 billion and support 13,000+ jobs (2024 study)</li><li>157,000+ accommodation units across 425 hotels—on par with Las Vegas</li><li>2,000+ restaurants serving the tourism market</li><li>60 miles of beaches forming the core attraction</li></ul>2024 Performance: The tourism industry showed strong growth in 2024, with visitor spending increasing 5.3% year-over-year. This growth came despite national headwinds like inflation and geopolitical tensions that softened tourism in other U.S. destinations. The Grand Strand's family-friendly attributes and strategic marketing gave it a competitive edge.The Seasonal Paradox: While CCU economists estimate that 80% of local tourism jobs are year-round, full-time, this statistic masks the reality that many of these "year-round" positions experience dramatic seasonal fluctuations in hours and income. A "full-time" restaurant manager might work 60 hours a week in summer but see hours cut to 25-30 during winter months, with corresponding income reductions.Sources: Tourism Works for the Grand Strand, DK Shifflet Visitor Volume &amp; Spending Study, Data USA, Horry County Government, S.C. Department of Revenue, Coastal Carolina University economic studies<h3>The Housing Affordability Crisis</h3>The mathematics of survival in SC-07 are brutal:<ul><li>A minimum wage worker must work more than 100 hours per week just to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Grand Strand</li><li>This calculation doesn't include food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, or childcare</li><li>Meanwhile, the construction boom focuses on vacation rentals and second homes, not workforce housing</li><li>Year-round workers are being priced out of the communities they serve</li></ul><h3>The Healthcare Gap</h3>Tourism and hospitality jobs rarely offer comprehensive health benefits. For seasonal workers, the situation is even more dire:<ul><li>Families go months without any health coverage</li><li>A single emergency room visit can wipe out an entire summer's savings</li><li>Chronic conditions go untreated because workers cannot afford preventive care</li><li>Parents delay their own medical needs to pay for their children's care</li></ul><h3>The Education Trap</h3>The lure of immediate income in tourism creates a devastating cycle:<ul><li>Young people drop out of high school or skip tech school or college for quick-money tourism jobs</li><li>Without skills or credentials, they remain trapped in low-wage, seasonal work</li><li>The cycle repeats with the next generation</li><li>Our district loses the skilled workforce needed for economic diversification</li></ul><h2>REAL FAMILIES, REAL STRUGGLES</h2>Marylou's Story: A single mother working as a hotel housekeeper earns $12/hour during peak season. She works 50-60 hours per week from May through September, saving every dollar she can. By November, her hours drop to 15 per week. By January, she's usually laid off, but she holds out hope her employer will keep her on this year with minimal hours.&nbsp; She relies on SNAP benefits to feed her two children and has delayed dental work for three years because she cannot afford the $800 procedure. Last winter, her son broke his arm, and the $3,200 emergency room bill consumed her entire savings. She was one unexpected expense away from eviction.The Rodriguez Family: Both parents work in restaurants—he as a line cook, she as a server. Combined, they earn about $45,000 during the busy season. They have no health insurance. Their teenage daughter showed promise in school but dropped out at 16 to work at a beachwear shop, seduced by the immediate paycheck. Now 19, she's stuck in the same cycle as her parents, with no clear path forward.James's Reality: A 58-year-old maintenance worker at a resort has worked in hospitality for 35 years. He has no retirement savings, no pension, and no health insurance outside the summer months. He's developed diabetes but cannot afford consistent medication or doctor visits. He knows he should retire but cannot afford to stop working. He represents thousands of older workers in our district facing the same impossible choice.<h2>THE POLICY SOLUTIONS</h2>John Vincent believes that the people who make our tourism economy possible deserve dignity, stability, and opportunity. His comprehensive plan addresses both immediate relief and long-term transformation:<h3>1. Raise the Minimum Wage</h3><ul><li>Increase the federal minimum wage to $15/hour, indexed to inflation</li><li>This ensures that full-time work provides a living wage, even during slower seasons</li><li>Reduces reliance on government assistance programs</li><li>Stimulates local economy as workers have more purchasing power</li></ul><h3>2. Expand Healthcare Access</h3><ul><li>Support Medicaid expansion in South Carolina to cover the healthcare gap</li><li>Create a public option for seasonal workers during off-season months</li><li>Establish community health centers specifically serving hospitality workers</li><li>Mandate portable benefits that follow workers between seasonal jobs</li></ul><h3>3. Invest in Workforce Housing</h3><ul><li>Federal incentives for developers who build affordable, year-round rental housing</li><li>Restrict the conversion of residential properties to short-term vacation rentals in high-impact areas</li><li>Create a workforce housing trust fund using a small percentage of tourism tax revenue</li><li>Establish rent stabilization measures to prevent displacement of long-term residents</li></ul><h3>4. Transform Education and Training</h3><ul><li>Expand Pell Grant eligibility for part-time students and non-traditional learners</li><li>Create apprenticeship programs in partnership with Horry-Georgetown Technical College</li><li>Establish "earn while you learn" programs that allow hospitality workers to gain credentials without losing income</li><li>Develop career pathways from entry-level tourism jobs to management and skilled trades</li><li>Partner with local businesses to create year-round employment opportunities in emerging sectors</li></ul><h3>5. Stabilize Seasonal Employment</h3><ul><li>Incentivize businesses to maintain year-round staffing through tax credits</li><li>Create a seasonal worker unemployment insurance program with extended benefits</li><li>Support economic diversification to reduce over-reliance on tourism</li><li>Attract industries that provide stable, year-round employment</li></ul><h3>6. Strengthen Worker Protections</h3><ul><li>Ensure fair scheduling practices that give workers predictable hours</li><li>Mandate paid sick leave so workers don't choose between health and income</li><li>Protect workers from wage theft and tip skimming</li><li>Strengthen collective bargaining rights for hospitality workers</li></ul><h3>THE OPPOSITION'S FAILURE</h3>For too long, our representatives have celebrated tourism revenue while ignoring the workers who generate it. They've:<ul><li>Blocked minimum wage increases while cost of living soared</li><li>Refused Medicaid expansion, leaving 300,000 South Carolinians without coverage</li><li>Prioritized developers and vacation property owners over working families</li><li>Cut funding for education and workforce development</li></ul><h3>WHY THIS MATTERS NOW</h3>We are currently in the off-season. Right now, thousands of families in our district are:<ul><li>Stretching their last paychecks from summer</li><li>Choosing between rent and groceries</li><li>Avoiding doctor visits they desperately need</li><li>Wondering how they'll make it to spring</li></ul>This isn't a future crisis—it's happening today, in our communities, to our neighbors.<h3>JOHN VINCENT'S COMMITMENT</h3>John Vincent understands that a strong economy must work for everyone, not just those at the top. He believes:<ul><li>Every job should pay a living wage</li><li>Healthcare is a right, not a privilege</li><li>Housing should be affordable for the people who make our communities run</li><li>Education is the pathway to opportunity</li><li>Workers deserve dignity, stability, and respect</li></ul>John will fight in Congress to ensure that the families who power our tourism economy can build stable, secure lives in the communities they serve.<h3>CALL TO ACTION</h3>The choice is clear: we can continue down the path of economic instability and working poverty, or we can build an economy that works for everyone. John Vincent is ready to lead that fight."We don't have to accept an economy where hardworking families live on the edge of disaster. We can do better, and we will." — John Vincent

South Carolina's 7th Congressional District, home to the Grand Strand and one of the nation's premier tourism destinations, faces a paradox: the very industry that drives our economy leaves thousands of working families in crisis every year. While tourism brings prosperity to our region, the seasonal nature of hospitality employment creates a cycle of economic instability that threatens the foundation of our communities.

What an AMAZING day. We started with the 200+ people on the sidewalk in<img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/caefc4f9-4a00-45c5-81a0-b6e9c42772db/caefc4f9-4a00-45c5-81a0-b6e9c42772db.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C500%2C500&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"> Conway SC. Hundreds of cars coming by horns blasting in support of the protest. Younger, older, black, brown, white, gay, straight you know AMERICANS. The vibe was so positive. Total commitment to fighting this chaos yet upbeat and so FUN.Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach was AWESOME. Probably close to 1000 people. AMERICAN’s in steadfast support and commitment to our constitution, our flag and our fellow Americans.From ALL reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to American flags paraded <img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/a2eb393f-19a2-4024-84ba-0526c5c3fd43/a2eb393f-19a2-4024-84ba-0526c5c3fd43.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C683%2C512&amp;w=1500" alt="No Kings Crowd in Myrtle Beach" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="47.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">everywhere. From kids running around to the masters of the rail over there cheering and leading hundreds and hundreds cars to honk those horns in support.We even had some ANTIFA puffy animals dancing (this part was terrifying!)<img src="https://run.imgix.net/4ef04a91-f7e0-4ae7-b399-5a079e97e308/3497c95d-820b-4e3e-9447-6bd3a5a25b2e/3497c95d-820b-4e3e-9447-6bd3a5a25b2e.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C256%2C271&amp;w=1500" alt="Veterans at NoKings Myrtle Beach" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I really LOVED an impromptu picture with my fellow Vets. Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan. From Airborne to submarines. Rangers to Raiders. Marines, Air Force, Army and Navy.HATERS???? No just regular folks who choose our Constitution over a weak, dangerous leader. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/john.g.vincent?__cft__[0]=AZVy1Wi_R6RxFVRJ1iMLvUQR5pS5rjjgSyVqJGViUREHUmyzZp_MG8pzhQPHQfx4WCLpaicc97duwshFohVuszMIHsvESlsoZDmWpn5cX_QQbFNjNNn8A2yRcwe0EUjTbEngIvRWFLkImrw1Vbsw7mB8&amp;__tn__=-]K-R"> </a>

What an AMAZING day. We started with the 200+ people on the sidewalk in Conway SC. Hundreds of cars coming by horns blasting in support of the protest. Younger, older, black, brown, white, gay, straight you know AMERICAN’S. The vibe was so positive. Total commitment to fighting this chaos yet upbeat and so FUN.

No Kings in Conway & Myrtle Beach

By John VincentThis Thanksgiving week, I've been thinking about that first winter in 1621.The Pilgrims were starving. They didn't know how to survive in this new land. It was the Wampanoag people – Squanto, Massasoit, and others – who showed them how to plant corn, where to fish, how to make it through the harsh New England winter.The Wampanoag didn't have a formal healthcare plan for the Pilgrims. They didn't form a committee to study the problem. They didn't wait for the perfect policy solution.They just made sure their neighbors survived.That spirit of community, of neighbors helping neighbors survive and thrive – that's the America I know. That's the America that gave my family everything.<h2>When Did We Lose Our Way?</h2>But somewhere along the way, our leaders forgot that spirit.Last week, I met Sarah, a single mom in Marion. She told me she's skipping meals so her kids can eat. Not occasionally – regularly. In the richest country in human history.Another family shared that they're cutting their Thanksgiving dinner back this year. Not by choice, but because grocery prices in our district have continue to rise. They learned first hand that the Walmart deal that our President cited as evidence of lowering cost - well not so much. Fewer Items. Downsized Items. Brand Swaps.Meanwhile, our President spends ridiculous sums on White House renovations, new private jets, and bailing out Argentina with $20 billion in cash. So much for America first. All while Republican strip healthcare protections from 20 million Americans – with no replacement plan ready.Americans aren't dumb.You know what you're paying at the grocery store. You know what your insulin costs. You know what happened to your rent. Your lived experience doesn't match their talking points, and you're right to trust what you see with your own eyes.This isn't about partisan politics. This is about misplaced values. This is about leaders who have lost touch with the people they're supposed to serve.Our founders would be ashamed. But they'd be proud of what we're building together.<h2>What I'll Fight For on Day One</h2>We have the resources to ensure no one goes hungry. We have the wealth to guarantee everyone has healthcare. We just lack leaders with the political will to make it happen.Here's what I'll fight for from Day One:✓ Cap insulin costs at $35/month for everyone – not just seniors. If other countries can do it, so can we.✓ Restore and expand the Child Tax Credit – which cut child poverty by 40% before Congress let it expire.✓ End taxpayer-funded corporate subsidies – while working families struggle to afford groceries.✓ Protect Social Security and Medicare – no cuts, no privatization, no raising the retirement age.✓ Make healthcare a right, not a privilege – starting with a public option and prescription drug price negotiations.These aren't radical ideas. They're common sense. And they're what the Wampanoag would have done – make sure everyone survives and thrives.<h2>What I'm Thankful For</h2>Despite the challenges we face, this Thanksgiving I find myself deeply grateful.I'm thankful for every person who has offered words of encouragement, told&nbsp; me their stories , and believed we could build something better.I'm thankful for the small business owners across this district who've shared their fears about their rising costs – the real struggles, not the talking points. &nbsp; And many of those same businesses are helping to&nbsp; provide those in need with Thanksgiving meals.I'm thankful for every volunteer who's given generously with their time. You are the heart of this campaign.I'm thankful for every contributor. You fuel this campaign and without you, we go nowhere.I'm thankful that people are waking up. Our message is breaking through because it's the truth. You're tired of being gaslit, tired of being told everything is fine when you can see with your own eyes that it isn't.And I'm thankful for you – for taking the time to read this, for caring about our community, for believing that government can and should work for everyone.<h2>The America Worth Fighting For</h2>This campaign isn't funded by corporate PACs or special interests. It's powered by people who believe, like our founders did, that government should work for everyone – not just the wealthy and well-connected.That first Thanksgiving wasn't about the powerful helping themselves. It was about community. It was about survival through cooperation. It was about people

This Thanksgiving week, I've been thinking about that first winter in 1621.

This Thanksgiving, Let's Restore the Spirit That Built America

<h5>George Blumenthal, KathyRedwine, and Sylvia Wright</h5>MYRTLE BEACH, SC - John Vincent, candidate for South Carolina's 7th Congressional District, today announced his endorsement of three exceptional candidates running in key state races: George Blumenthal for SC House District 104, Kathy Redwine for House District 108, and Sylvia Wright for State Superintendent of Education.Vincent said, "George and Kathy have really stepped up to challenge incumbents who have never been challenged. They are both exceptionally qualified and will do an exceptional job when elected. Sylvia, also exceptionally qualified, is the hardest working candidate anywhere. Nothing shows how hard she will work for the education of our children more than how hard she is working to WIN."Vincent praised Blumenthal for his commitment to bringing fresh leadership to District 104. Blumenthal's background in community service and dedication to addressing local infrastructure needs align perfectly with Vincent's platform of fighting for families and common-sense solutions.&nbsp; Blumenenthal is a seasoned attorney with a robust background in litigation, including civil and criminal law.Kathy Redwine earned Vincent's enthusiastic support for her bold vision for House District 108. Her professional experience and deep understanding of the district's health care challenges make her an ideal advocate for working families in the state legislature.In endorsing Sylvia Wright for State Superintendent of Education, Vincent highlighted her tireless dedication to improving South Carolina's educational system. Wright's comprehensive plan to support teachers and enhance educational opportunities for all students resonates with Vincent's commitment to investing in the future of South Carolina families."We cannot win without people like these willing to put life on hold to do what must be done. Please support them, as you are supporting me," Vincent added.Vincent's campaign continues to focus on fighting for families, supporting veterans, and addressing government dysfunction. His endorsement of these candidates reflects his commitment to building a stronger South Carolina through dedicated public service at all levels of government.

George Blumenthal, Kathy Redwine, and Sylvia Wright MYRTLE BEACH, SC - John Vincent, candidate for South Carolina's 7th Congressional District, today announced his endorsement of three exceptional candidates running in key state races: George Blumenthal for SC House District 104, Kathy Redwine for House District 108, and Sylvia Wright for State Superintendent of Education.

JOHN VINCENT ENDORSES CANDIDATES IN KEY RACES

John will be speaking at this forum open to all federal and statewide candidates.

Marion Candidate Forum - EVENT Postponed Due to Weather

EVENT Postponed Due to Weather - We will update with the new date. The Marion County Democratic Party invites you to a special Candidates Meet &amp; Greet open to all federal and statewide candidates. John Vincent will be ready for your Question! <a href="https://www.mcdpsc.org/events" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">More Info.</a>

Marion County Candidate Forum

<h3>Why Russell Fry Should Choose His Constituents Over Party Loyalty</h3> By John Vincent, candidate for South Carolina's 7th Congressional District As Congress debates the new budget resolution and a potential government shutdown looms, I call upon our current Representative Russell Fry to face a critical decision: continue supporting the harmful provisions of the already-enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" or stand with his constituents by backing efforts to reverse the damaging social policies.The "Beautiful Bill", now law, wasn't the fiscal responsibility measure it was advertised to be. Instead, it has become a vehicle for transferring wealth from working families to the already wealthy while gutting essential services in communities like ours. The current budget resolution debate offers a chance to correct this grave mistake. <h5>The Real Impact on Our District</h5>The "Beautiful Bill’s" $2.1 trillion in cuts over the next decade are already threatening vital programs in SC-07. With 14.2% of our residents struggling with food insecurity, the $270 billion reduction in SNAP benefits isn't an abstract policy—it's causing real hunger in our communities. The 25% cut to Older Americans Act nutrition programs means thousands of seniors in our district are losing access to Meals on Wheels, often their only reliable source of nutrition.Healthcare access, already precarious with three rural hospital closures in our district over the past five years, faces further deterioration under the "Beautiful Bill’s" $880 billion Medicaid cuts and $50 billion reduction in Medicare provider payments. In counties where up to 42% of residents rely on Medicaid, these aren't just numbers—they represent our neighbors losing their healthcare lifeline.<h5>Child Hunger Vs. Tax Breaks for the Rich</h5>The "Beautiful Bill's" $45 billion in education cuts, including reductions to school lunch programs, are particularly devastating in a district where 62% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the tax provisions disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while working families in SC-07 struggle to make ends meet.<h5>A Call for Principled Leadership</h5>Representative Fry, your constituents elected you to represent their interests, not to defend policies that harm them.&nbsp; The current budget resolution offers an opportunity to reverse the "Beautiful Bill's" most damaging provisions. If compromise cannot be reached on a budget that restores funding to these essential programs, then a government shutdown becomes not just acceptable but necessary.During a shutdown, essential services would continue—Social Security checks would still arrive, Medicare would still provide healthcare, and veterans would still receive benefits. What would stop is the continued implementation of policies that devastate our communities.I call on Russell Fry to publicly support a budget resolution that reverses the "Beautiful Bill's" harmful cuts.&nbsp; Join with colleagues from both parties who recognize that these policies are hurting real Americans.&nbsp; Choose your constituents over party loyalty.If standing firm means a temporary government shutdown, so be it. Sometimes the most responsible action is to halt the machinery of government rather than allow it to continue implementing policies that harm the very people it should serve.<h5>Stand for our South Carolina Values</h5>The people of South Carolina's 7th Congressional District deserve a representative who will fight for them, not rubber-stamp policies that benefit the super-wealthy while devastating working families. &nbsp; I urge all people in our district to call your Congressman and let him know how you feel on this issue. &nbsp; Representative Fry’s congressional office numbers are: Washington, D.C&nbsp; (202) 225-9895, Grand Strand (843) 353-5377, and Pee Dee (843) 799-6880.The voters are watching. We're waiting. And we will remember in November 2026.

Why Russell Fry Should Choose His Constituents Over Party LoyaltyBy John Vincent, candidate for South Carolina's 7th Congressional DistrictAs Congress debates the new budget resolution and a potential government shutdown looms, I call upon our current Representative Russell Fry to face a critical decision:

Sometimes Principle Demands a Stand

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Georgetown County Democratic Convention

Join the Georgetown County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats. Register online at <a href="https://scdp.org/2026-county-conventions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCDP.org.</a>

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — During a free community campaign event in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, Democrat John Vincent highlighted his aim at unseating South Carolina's 7th District incumbent.Vincent is campaigning to unseat Republican incumbent Russell Fry in South Carolina's 7th Congressional District.During the event, Vincent highlighted his determination to overcome the odds in a district traditionally favoring Republicans.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — During a free community campaign event in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, Democrat John Vincent highlighted his aim at unseating South Carolina's 7th District incumbent.

WPDE: Democrat Aims to Unseat SC 7th District Incumbent

Join the Marion County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats.

Marion County Democratic Convention

Join the Marion County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats. Register online at <a href="https://scdp.org/2026-county-conventions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCDP.org.</a>

By launching an unprovoked military attack and kidnapping a head of state without congressional approval or international authorization, President Trump has transformed America from the defender of international law into its violator. We have become the aggressor we condemn. We are now doing exactly what Putin did in Ukraine - what we've spent billions opposing.We Are Now What We Claim to Fight <ul><li>We condemned Russia for invading Ukraine - now we've done the same</li><li>We sanctioned Russia for seizing territory - now we're seizing oil</li><li>We called Putin a war criminal - now Trump is acting like Putin</li><li>The entire world condemns us - Brazil, Colombia, Chile, EU, even UK distancing itself</li></ul>Consequence:<ul><li>Every dictator can now point to America and justify their aggression</li><li>China can cite this for Taiwan</li><li>Russia can cite this for Ukraine</li><li>We've destroyed our moral authority&nbsp; for oil or for the imperial dreams of a morally corrupt individual</li></ul>One Man Cannot Wage War for Oil<ul><li>Article I, Section 8: Congress alone has power to declare war</li><li>Trump didn't ask Congress - didn't even tell congressional leaders</li><li>House Minority Leader: No advance notice</li><li>House Armed Services Committee: Not briefed</li><li>Rubio and Hegseth lied to Congress - said Venezuelan actions were not about regime change</li></ul>We Wrote These Laws - Now We're Breaking <ul><li>UN Charter prohibits force except: (1) UN Security Council authorization, or (2) Self-defense</li><li>Neither applies&nbsp;</li><li>UN experts: This is "illegal aggression"</li><li>We created the UN to prevent powerful nations invading weaker ones for resources</li><li>Now we've torn up our own rulebook. For oil.This Is About Resources, Not Drugs </li><li>Venezuela has world's largest oil reserves - 303.8 billion barrels (more than Saudi Arabia)</li><li>$1.36 trillion in minerals - rare earths, lithium, coltan, uranium</li><li>Critical for technology, defense, breaking China's monopoly</li></ul>Trump's Confession:<ul><li>December 16, 2025: Demanded Venezuela "return oil, land, and assets"</li><li>January 3, 2026: US will be "strongly involved" in oil industry</li><li>Official policy: Military can be used for resource access</li><li>Trump is bragging about&nbsp; now controlling Venezuela's oil.</li></ul>Every Justification Is a Lie<ul><li>Venezuela does NOT produce fentanyl (New York Times confirmed)</li><li>Venezuela is NOT a major drug source (Politifact confirmed)</li><li>No seized drugs ever shown despite 110+ killed in boat strikes</li><li>Maduro does NOT control Tren de Aragua gang (NPR/US intelligence)</li><li>"Cartel de los Soles" doesn't even exist (CNN)</li></ul>Bottom line: They're lying about drugs to hide an oil war

By launching an unprovoked military attack and kidnapping a head of state without congressional approval or international authorization, President Trump has transformed America from the defender of international law into its violator. We have become the aggressor we condemn. We are now doing exactly what Putin did in Ukraine - what we've spent billions opposing.

America Has Become What We Claim to Fight Against

Hartsville Candidates Forum - EVENT Postponed Due to Weather

EVENT Postponed Due to Weather - Second Baptist Church and People to People of Hartsville invite you to a special Candidates Meet &amp; Greet open to all federal and statewide candidates. John Vincent will be ready for your Question! For more info call: <a href="https://www.mcdpsc.org/events" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">843.409.5241.</a>

Hartsville Candidates Forum

<h3>WHEN SILENCE BECOMES COMPLICITY: INCIDENT EXPOSES LEADERSHIP VACUUM</h3> By John Vincent On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 2:09 p.m., a disturbing incident unfolded at Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle Beach that should serve as a wake-up call for our community. A woman wearing a Trump T-shirt brandished a firearm at peaceful protesters participating in a "No Kings" demonstration. As one terrified protester recounted, "The woman pointed the gun right at us!" Fortunately, Myrtle Beach Police officers witnessed the incident and arrested the woman immediately. While we're grateful no one was physically harmed, the psychological impact and threat to our democratic norms cannot be understated. My wife Deb and I were present at this peaceful gathering when this occurred. As someone who has decided to challenge Congressman Russell Fry in the 2026 election, I feel compelled to address the root causes of such incidents—causes that extend far beyond one individual's actions. The Rhetoric-to-Violence Pipeline When former President Donald Trump publicly declares he "hates all Democrats," positions himself as president for only half the country, and labels peaceful protesters as "internal terrorists," he doesn't just express controversial opinions—he creates a permission structure for violence. These aren't abstract political statements; they're dangerous provocations that unstable individuals interpret as calls to action. History teaches us that dehumanizing language precedes violence. When leaders characterize fellow citizens as enemies, terrorists, or existential threats, they provide moral cover for those predisposed to aggression. The Silence That Enables What makes this situation even more troubling is Congressman Fry's consistent refusal to provide moral leadership by countering this rhetoric. His silence isn't neutrality—it's complicity. His rubber-stamp approval of every Trump position, regardless of how divisive, dangerous, or immoral represents a failure of representative democracy. A congressman's duty extends beyond party loyalty. It includes defending constitutional rights, promoting civil discourse, and explicitly rejecting violence and threats against constituents—even those who disagree politically. Representative Fry has failed this basic test of leadership. The Myrtle Beach Incident in Context The woman arrested at Chapin Memorial Library didn't act in isolation. She acted within a political environment where: <ul><li>Opposing viewpoints are characterized as existential threats </li><li>Peaceful protest is reframed as terrorism </li><li>Political leaders remain silent when violence is implied or encouraged </li><li>Tribal loyalty supersedes constitutional principles </li></ul>This toxic combination creates conditions where individuals believe they're defending their country by threatening their neighbors. When someone wears political apparel while brandishing a weapon at peaceful protesters, the connection between rhetoric and action becomes undeniable. What Leadership Should Look Like Moral leadership requires courage—the courage to tell supporters when they're wrong, to defend the rights of political opponents, and to place constitutional principles above partisan advantage. It means explicitly stating: <ul><li>Political violence is never acceptable </li><li>Peaceful protest is a constitutional right for ALL Americans </li><li>We can disagree passionately while respecting each other's humanity </li><li> No elected official should characterize half the country as enemies </li></ul>These aren't controversial positions. They're foundational American values. Yet we hear nothing from Congressman Fry. A Choice for Our Community The 2026 election will offer our district a choice: continue down a path of divisive rhetoric and spineless complicity, or choose leadership that defends democratic norms and constitutional rights for everyone. I'm running for Congress because I believe our community deserves better. We deserve a representative who will speak up when rhetoric crosses the line into dangerous territory. We deserve leadership that brings people together rather than driving them apart. We deserve a congressman with the moral courage to say "no" when party loyalty conflicts with constitutional duty. The woman arrested in Myrtle Beach will face legal consequences for her actions, as she should. But what consequences will there be for the leaders whose rhetoric and silence created the environment that emboldened her? That's a question voters will answer in 2026. A Direct Challenge to Our Congressman Congressman FryYour constituents—ALL of them, regardless of party affiliation—deserve to hear from you on this matter. I call on you to:<ol><li>Publicly affirm the constitutional right of every citizen in South Carolina's 7th District to peacefully protest without fear of violence or intimidation </li><li>Unequivocally condemn political violence in any form, from any source, toward any target </li><li>Commit to speaking out against President Trump’s political rhetoric when it crosses the line into dangerous territory </li></ol>Your silence in the wake of this incident is deafening. Your constituents deserve leadership, not complicity. The time for courage is now.

WHEN SILENCE BECOMES COMPLICITY: INCIDENT EXPOSES LEADERSHIP VACUUMBy John Vincent

Gun at No Kings Protest in Myrtle Beach

Several counties in South Carolina have recently been approached by developers of large data centers, and more will be in the future. Artificial Intelligence and "cloud computing" technologies have greatly increased the need for these facilities, bringing both opportunity and challenge.County officials face difficult decisions when approached by data center developers. The financial promises made by these corporations are powerful and designed to be hard to refuse. They typically come in two forms:<ul><li>The "Quick Fix": Substantial one-time payments (often negotiated as fees in lieu of taxes) that promise a relatively large amount of money to ease the county's immediate budget holes.</li><li>The Long Game: The promise of ongoing yearly revenue to fund schools, roads, and emergency services for decades.</li></ul>We respect that our elected leaders are trying to secure a financial future for our community using these tools. Data centers can bring high-paying technical jobs, infrastructure investment, and stable revenue—all legitimate benefits that deserve serious consideration.However, a decision of this magnitude cannot be made in the dark. The Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)—which developers frequently impose on County and City Councils—limit the transparency required for a healthy democracy. They prevent the public, and perhaps even the decision-makers, from seeing the full picture.How can anyone weigh the benefits against the risks when the details are hidden?📉 Deeper analysis, independent of the developer, is needed. Let's look at the full picture—including both cautionary tales and success stories:<ul><li>The "Net Loss" Reality: Often, the cost to the community (infrastructure upgrades, road maintenance, and increased demand on services) actually exceeds both the one-time payments and the yearly tax revenue. We cannot afford a project that costs the taxpayers more than it pays. Some communities have successfully negotiated agreements that ensure residents come out ahead—let's study those successes alongside the warning signs.</li><li>Regional Impact: While a project may sit within one county's lines, the impact does not. We share aquifers and electric grids with our neighbors. A massive facility can strain water and power resources for the entire region. Surrounding counties deserve a voice in a decision that affects their utilities.</li><li>Quality of Life: Once the rural or residential character of an area is changed by industrial sprawl, it cannot be gained back. Smart development preserves what makes our communities special while still creating economic opportunity.</li></ul>We're calling for a "Smart Growth" approach. Here are our recommendations:🛑 PAUSE for Independent Analysis: Put the project on hold until a third party—not the developer—can verify the economic impact. In Colleton County, legal action is occurring to put their project on hold. We commend developers who proactively share information and work transparently with communities.💧 DEMAND Water &amp; Power Studies: We need full disclosure on resource usage. We must ensure a project won't drain shared aquifers or overload the regional electric grid. This includes looking at renewable energy requirements and cooling efficiency standards.📝 NEGOTIATE a Community Benefits Agreement: If a project moves forward, it must be on the community's terms. A binding agreement ensures the developer supports the area, not just their shareholders—with specific dollar amounts, timelines, and clawback provisions if promises aren't kept.🔄 CONSIDER Alternatives: Let's look at development options that provide revenue without sacrificing quality of life, including phased development with community checkpoints.📚 LEARN from All Communities: Many towns have rejected similar projects and found sustainable ways to grow. Others have successfully negotiated data center agreements that benefit residents—we need to study both outcomes to make informed decisions.What Does Success Look Like? ✅ Clear community benefits that exceed costs ✅ Transparent negotiation process ✅ Environmental protections with teeth ✅ Infrastructure improvements paid by the developer ✅ Decommissioning plans and financial guarantees ✅ Regional cooperation on resource impactsTransparency isn't an obstacle; it's a protection. Responsible developers understand this and work openly with communities. Let's ensure any development is truly a win for everyone—the host county, the surrounding region, and our shared future.As your Congressman, I'll fight for statewide policies that ensure transparency, regional cooperation, and community-first development decisions.📘 NEW RESOURCE: To assist residents and officials, our campaign has put together a Decision Guide. This document is designed to help anyone involved in the process determine if a specific data center proposal is truly beneficial to their community. Please reach out to us to get your copy.#SouthCarolina #SC07 #Transparency #RegionalImpact #ProtectOurWater #SmartGrowth #DataCenters #LocalGovernment #Infrastructure #LocalControl #EconomicDevelopment

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Data Center Proposals: Balancing the Checkbook with Regional Reality

Future-looking Education and Jobs Programs for our technology-driven economy<ul><li>Establish Workforce Grants for Americans who have been displaced by technology&nbsp;</li><li>Create Lifelong Learning Accounts for upskilling</li><li>Implement Student Loan Relief for Obsolete Degrees</li><li>Overhaul our K12 Education System to meet 21th century challenges</li></ul>Civil Liberties — Protect all, including Minorities and the LGBTQ+ CommunityPrepare for the future<ul><li>Rebuild aging systems: Water, Transit, and Electrical Grid</li><li>Enable digital communications nationwide</li><li>Restore Federal Emergency Management and Weather Service capabilities</li><li>Address climate change</li><li>Modernize Federal Communications Policy for legacy media and new - including Social Media and Artificial Intelligence</li></ul>Gun Violence in Schools — Pass common sense gun legislation supported by the large majority of AmericansNational Debt<ul><li>Cut subsidies of older technologies&nbsp;</li><li>Phase out obsolete weapons systems</li><li>End subsidies of non-renewable energy&nbsp;</li><li>Reform our Tax System<ul><li>Minimum tax for the wealthy and corporation</li><li>Restore the top tax rate of 37% for the wealthy</li><li>End tax loopholes, tax inversions, and offshore tax shelters</li><li>End the carried interest tax loophole that allows hedge funds to avoid billions in taxes</li><li>Strengthen tax enforcement</li></ul></li><li>Support a balanced budget amendment with flexibility for economic downturns, natural disasters, and national emergencies</li></ul>National Defense<ul><li>Implement a strategic, fair trade policy that encourages and promotes more jobs, not blunt punitive tariffs that drive up the cost of everyday goods while punishing our allies</li><li>Restore the Department of War's focus to Defense</li><li>Restore world aid programs that promote peace and goodwill</li></ul>

Restore Economic Power and Dignity to the Working ClassWhen we empower working families, invest in opportunity, and lift up those struggling the most, we build an economy that delivers dignity, fairness, and a future for everyone.&nbsp;

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Stand for Families

This morning in Columbia, John Vincent delivered powerful testimony against SC Bill 323 that every South Carolinian needs to hear.&nbsp; He appeared as a private citizen - not as a candidate - outraged by the hypocrisy and consequences of the bill. &nbsp; This video is from the Statehouse Steps (the video ends before the end of th speech).His message is clear: This bill isn't about protecting life - it's political theater that will harm women and families.The FACTS he shared about South Carolina are devastating: • 7th-highest INFANT mortality rate• Adolescent mortality 40% HIGHER than national average • Ranked 3rd WORST state in which to have a child • GUNS are the leading cause of child injury/death here • 7th-highest MURDER rate in the nation • 600 UNSOLVED murders since 2020 Yet instead of addressing these real threats to life, politicians are pushing a bill that will: ❌ Mentally and physically harm thousands of women ❌ Disproportionately punish women of color ❌ Lead to preventable deaths ❌ Do NOTHING to actually protect childrenAs Vincent said: "Anyone who supports this atrocity has no honor, no courage, and no commitment to the women and children of this state."South Carolina deserves better. We need leaders who will tackle our REAL problems - not create new ones.TAKE ACTION: Contact your representatives and demand they withdraw this harmful bill.#SCPolitics #SouthCarolina #ProtectSCFamilies #WomensRights #VeteransVoices #SCBill323&nbsp;

Testimony in Columbia Against State Bill 323 

Florence County Democratic Party Blue Wave Gala

Florence County Democratic Party Blue Wave Gala

Join the FCDP for their first annual Blue Wave Gala. All tickets include entrance and dinner. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1156333742658160/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> More Info. </a>

Join the Dillon County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats. Register online at <a href="https://scdp.org/2026-county-conventions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCDP.org.</a>

Dillion County Democratic Convention

I never had a desire to run for public office. But I got tired of listening to political speeches where you can't understand a word they say. You can't pin them down on what they'll actually do when you vote for them.My opponent is the poster child for this. He has no views on anything until somebody tells him what his views are. I’m quite the opposite. I’m looking at the world as it is, and frankly, it’s insanity.Foreign Policy Madness We’re watching our government talk about intervening in Venezuela and Colombia. Let’s be real: this isn't about drugs, and it isn't about humanitarian help. It’s about oil. It’s about billion-dollar companies stripping natural resources from other countries.It’s gotten so bad that we are openly talking about "taking over" Greenland—which belongs to Denmark, a NATO ally. We are talking about attacking our friends. The Western Hemisphere is half the world, and no, it doesn't belong to us.America Last? While we play games overseas, look at what’s happening to our wallet:<ul><li>We handed $20 billion to Argentina to prop up bad investments.</li><li>Yet we were told we couldn't scrape together $8 billion to pay SNAP benefits for our own people.</li></ul>In South Carolina’s 7th District, we have 40,000 households that rely on those benefits. We have farmers going broke because of stupid tariffs. We have seniors deciding whether they should pay their rent or buy food.The Choice We’re wasting our money, we’re starting wars, and we’re picking fights.Stop voting for someone because they have an "R" or "D" after their name. Start voting for someone who has common sense. My opponent is a political coward who will never speak up about anything.Vote for someone who is actually going to go after things that are good for this district, for our working families, and for our veterans.I'm John Gregory Vincent. Let's change the nuttiness.

Foreign Policy Madness We’re watching our government talk about intervening in Venezuela and Colombia. Let’s be real: this isn't about drugs, and it isn't about humanitarian help. It’s about oil. It’s about billion-dollar companies stripping natural resources from other countries.It’s gotten so bad that we are openly talking about "taking over" Greenland—which belongs to Denmark, a NATO ally.”

Stop the Insanity: Why I’m Running Against a Political Coward

Horry County Democratic Convention

Join the Horry County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats. Register online at <a href="https://scdp.org/2026-county-conventions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCDP.org.</a>

Join the Florence County Democratic Party for their annual county convention. All Democrats who are registered voters are welcome to participate. Help us elect county party leaders and organize to elect more Democrats. Register online at <a href="https://scdp.org/2026-county-conventions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SCDP.org.</a>

Florence County Democratic Convention

Florence County Democratic Party

<h4>JUST THE FACTS:</h4>On January 8, the House of Representatives voted 230-196 Thursday to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years.Seventeen Republicans joined all Democrats in favor, but Russell Fry voted NO. Speaker Mike Johnson also opposed the extension.The enhanced subsidies, which expired at the end of 2025, had helped keep premiums lower for millions of Americans. The bill now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation was voted down in December. Even if the Senate were to pass this bill, President Trump has long opposed the ACA without offering an alternative and is expected to veto any extension. A bipartisan group of senators is working on a compromise deal that would extend tax credits for two years instead of three.<h2>JOHN VINCENT'S UNFILTERED COMMENTS:</h2>How much more proof do we need? Russell Fry did not join fellow Republicans to vote to extend ACA subsidies. He voted to end them. 100,000 people in this district rely on those to make their health care premiums. He said, too bad.Here's his excuse: "It's a flawed, horrible, system, it's terrible. It's not fiscally responsible."This is a guy who voted for a $3.5 trillion dollar increase to our deficit, $3.5 trillion, to benefit overwhelmingly the super, super rich and massive corporations. He's not for working families. He doesn't care about veterans.Come on. This is a guy who voted to cut medicaid by a trillion dollars, SNAP by $187 billion dollars. Veterans need those benefits and that coverage. Seniors, children, 26% of our children live in poverty. Does he care? Nope, as long as the super-rich get their money.The Affordable Care Act is flawed. It needs to be fixed. It needs to be adjusted. The federal government shouldn't be providing endless subsidies to the healthcare industry. But that's not the people's fault. It's Congress's fault. They've had over a decade and all they do is whine, complain, and point fingers.This guy doesn't care about you and he doesn't care about fiscal responsibility. I will proudly tell you that I am a fiscal conservative. If it was possible, which it's not, I would be a supporter of a balanced budget amendment. But what I can say is, yes, I would support an 18-month extension of ACA subsidies. And at the end of the month, when we're coming up to another gap bill for the 4,000th consecutive time, I would say this is the cost for those 18 months or 24 months. Where is that money coming from? We have to take it out at a minimum break even, but we need to actually cut more than we spend, just like we need to do with our credit cards and we need to do with the rest of our budget.Fry doesn't care. He has one priority, getting reelected. At some point, we all need to realize this. Just believe him in how he votes.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/byebyefry?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZaRtsKxfaD9tINR31EgRQcLPDaibBudm-ROz808j_9Z-hRjjjMEPCy_pdgeJKilGp9Mn0Zt3nk0J8BMe1WqAqEIs3J5AAcc2MypbZCyrlmwNTrYtrUKhpSA19_VtAzOrfFVqmZLTH3g0ZZzYbQd1uEz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#ByeByeFry</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/vincentforcongress?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZaRtsKxfaD9tINR31EgRQcLPDaibBudm-ROz808j_9Z-hRjjjMEPCy_pdgeJKilGp9Mn0Zt3nk0J8BMe1WqAqEIs3J5AAcc2MypbZCyrlmwNTrYtrUKhpSA19_VtAzOrfFVqmZLTH3g0ZZzYbQd1uEz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#VincentForCongress</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sc7?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZaRtsKxfaD9tINR31EgRQcLPDaibBudm-ROz808j_9Z-hRjjjMEPCy_pdgeJKilGp9Mn0Zt3nk0J8BMe1WqAqEIs3J5AAcc2MypbZCyrlmwNTrYtrUKhpSA19_VtAzOrfFVqmZLTH3g0ZZzYbQd1uEz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#SC7</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/peopleoverpolitics?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZaRtsKxfaD9tINR31EgRQcLPDaibBudm-ROz808j_9Z-hRjjjMEPCy_pdgeJKilGp9Mn0Zt3nk0J8BMe1WqAqEIs3J5AAcc2MypbZCyrlmwNTrYtrUKhpSA19_VtAzOrfFVqmZLTH3g0ZZzYbQd1uEz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#PeopleOverPolitics</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/southcarolina?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZaRtsKxfaD9tINR31EgRQcLPDaibBudm-ROz808j_9Z-hRjjjMEPCy_pdgeJKilGp9Mn0Zt3nk0J8BMe1WqAqEIs3J5AAcc2MypbZCyrlmwNTrYtrUKhpSA19_VtAzOrfFVqmZLTH3g0ZZzYbQd1uEz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#SouthCarolina</a>

On January 8, the House of Representatives voted 230-196 Thursday to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years.Seventeen Republicans joined all Democrats in favor, but Russell Fry voted NO. Speaker Mike Johnson also opposed the extension.

Russell Fry Votes against Community Healthcare... Again

SC Measles Outbreak Alert

Lake City Candidate Forum - EVENT Postponed Due to Weather

EVENT Postponed Due to Weather The Florence County Democratic Party invites you to a special Candidates Meet &amp; Greet open to all federal and statewide candidates. John Vincent will be ready for your Question!

Lake City Candidate Forum - Rural Road to the Midterms

<h5>John Vincent's Vision: Military-Grade Accountability Meets 21st-Century Solutions</h5><h1>Policy Initiatives</h1><h3>Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery</h3><ul><li>Combat the veteran drug addiction emergency with state-of-the-art treatment</li><li>Expand Medication-Assisted Treatment </li><li>Integrate Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment </li><li>Expand Residential Treatment Capacity </li><li>Provide Peer Recovery Support </li><li>Expand Naloxone Distribution </li><li>Address Prescription Opioid Overuse </li><li>Expand Alternative Pain Management </li><li>Provide Family Support and Education</li><li>Expand Telehealth for Substance Abuse Treatment </li></ul><h3> Healthcare Access </h3><ul><li>Expand mental health programs for treatment of PTSD and other after effects of combat</li><li>Expand Community Care Networks </li><li>Implement Same-Day Primary Care Access </li><li>Expand Specialty Care Access</li><li>Re-invent Rural Healthcare Access</li><li>Enhance Care Coordination</li><li>Expand Women Veterans Services</li><li>Reverse privatization policies that have resulted in the loss of critical medical personnel</li></ul><h3>Streamlining VA Benefits </h3><ul><li>Accelerate thru AI-Assisted Claims Processing</li><li>Simplify Claims Application Process</li><li>Expand Veterans Service Officer Support</li><li>Reform Appeals Process </li></ul><h3>Housing &amp; Homelessness</h3><ul><li>Housing assistance programs and VA home loans</li><li>Homeless prevention services and emergency shelter</li><li>Adaptive housing grants for disabled veterans</li></ul><h3>Legal Protections and Support</h3><ul><li>Strengthen Employment Discrimination Protections</li><li>Expand Veterans Treatment Courts</li><li>Provide Legal Assistance for Benefits Claims</li><li>Address Veteran Incarceration</li><li>Protect Against Predatory Practices</li></ul><h3>Economic Opportunity and Community Support</h3><ul><li>Revolutionize Veteran Job Training into a Continuous Learning Program</li><li>Modernize GI Bill Benefits</li><li>Support Veteran Entrepreneurship</li><li>Expand Tax Incentives for Hiring Veterans </li><li>Improve Credentialing and Licensing </li><li>Expand Caregiver Support </li><li>Enhance Community Integration Programs</li><li>Expand Volunteer Opportunities</li><li>Support Military Family Services</li><li>Expand Transportation Assistance</li><li>Create Veteran Identification Cards</li><li>Expand Burial Benefits and Cemetery Services</li></ul>Extend Select Veterans Programs — to First Responders, Medical Professionals, Educators and others providing significant service contributions to their communities

Keep the promise we madeOur veterans answered the call to serve — now we must ensure they receive the care, respect, and opportunities they earned. &nbsp; We must also expand our nation’s appreciation to those who serve our communities in significant ways, like first-responders and teachers.

Honor Veterans &amp; Those Who Serve

This morning in Columbia, John Vincent delivered powerful testimony against SC Bill 323 that every South Carolinian needs to hear.&nbsp; He appeared as a private citizen - not as a candidate - outraged by the hypocrisy and consequences of the bill. &nbsp; His message is clear: This bill isn't about protecting life - it's political theater that will harm women and families.The FACTS he shared about South Carolina are devastating:<ul><li> 7th-highest INFANT mortality rate in the US</li><li>3rd-WORST state in which to give birth</li><li>Adolescent mortality 40% HIGHER than national average</li><li>The leading cause of child injury/death is gunfire</li><li>7th-highest MURDER rate in the nation</li></ul>Yet instead of addressing these real threats to life, politicians are pushing a bill that will: ❌Physically and Mentally harm thousands of women ❌ Disproportionately punish women of color ❌ Lead to preventable deaths ❌ Do NOTHING to actually protect childrenAs Vincent said: "Anyone who supports this atrocity has no honor, no courage, and no commitment to the women and children of this state."South Carolina deserves better. We need leaders who will tackle our REAL problems - not create new ones.TAKE ACTION: Contact your SC representatives and demand they withdraw this harmful bill.#SCPolitics #SouthCarolina #ProtectSCFamilies #WomensRights #VeteransVoices #SCBill323&nbsp;

Extreme Limits to Women's Reproductive CareThis morning in Columbia, John Vincent delivered powerful testimony against SC Bill 323 that every South Carolinian needs to hear.&nbsp; He appeared as a private citizen - not as a candidate - outraged by the hypocrisy and consequences of the bill. &nbsp;