Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Wes Moore of Maryland energized supporters on Friday evening at the renowned fish fry hosted by South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of unifying their party and reaching out to diverse constituencies ahead of future elections.
“Each and every one of us, we’re not going to have someone come save us. But who wants that? We can save ourselves. We can make a difference,” Walz declared to a lively crowd of several hundred Democrats in Columbia, South Carolina.
He highlighted the need for a proactive approach, stating, “We need to change the attitude, compete in every district, compete for every school board seat, and come out to this damn fish fry with the attitude: ‘we’re going to fill up on some fish, and then we are going to beat the hell out of these dictators.'”
Moore, marking a historic moment as the first Black governor of Maryland, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the responsibility to lead lies with them.
“The baton is in our hands. We are not going to drop it. We are going to run through the tape, and we are going to win because we understand what’s at stake,” Moore stated, rallying the crowd with a passionate call to action.
He further urged attendees to send a powerful message nationwide, declaring, “This is our time. This is our moment. We will not shirk, we will not flinch, we will not blink. We will win, just as those who came before us did.”
Despite their fervent calls for unity and action, both Walz and Moore distanced themselves from any aspirations for the 2028 presidential nomination.
During a press gaggle ahead of their speeches, both governors reiterated their intentions to focus on their current roles rather than future campaigns. Clyburn acknowledged their potential for leadership but emphasized that they must determine their own future paths.
Walz, who is still contemplating a run for gubernatorial reelection, expressed uncertainty regarding the party’s future candidates, stating, “I think it’s a super talented bench. Do I think the person’s out there? No, I’m not sure they’re out there yet.”
Moore took a firmer stance against speculation about his political future, simply stating, “I am not running,” during an appearance on ABC’s ‘The View.’
He followed up with additional comments, emphasizing the urgency of focusing on immediate challenges: “Anyone who is talking about 2028 is not taking 2025 very seriously. The fight is 2025. Right now.”
In a keynote address at the Blue Palmetto Dinner before the fish fry, Moore underlined the necessity for the party to offer a clear alternative to former President Donald Trump.
He urged Democrats to act decisively, stating, “I want to be clear: We can – and we must – condemn Donald Trump’s reckless actions. But we would also be foolish not to learn from his impatience. Now is the time for us to be impatient too. Let’s not just talk about an alternative. Let’s not just study an alternative. Let’s deliver an alternative.”
Clyburn’s fish fry has historically served as a significant event for Democratic hopefuls, providing them with an opportunity to connect with key party operatives, donors, and influential South Carolina voters.
Though the atmosphere may not have matched the frenzied energy seen in 2019, when numerous Democratic candidates competed for attention, Friday’s event still buzzed with excitement.
Walz is scheduled to address Palmetto State Democrats again on Saturday morning before traveling to California for another Democratic Party event, showcasing his commitment to the party’s efforts beyond state lines.
As the South Carolina Democratic Party convenes for their state convention, the significance of this fish fry event takes on added importance, especially with changes in the party’s early voting calendar for the next election cycle.
Last cycle, South Carolina was elevated in prominence as the initial contest, overtaking Iowa. However, with the Democratic National Committee looking to reset the calendar for 2028, the stakes remain high.
Clyburn himself commented on the future placement of South Carolina, stating, “I never ask for anything more than to keep us in the pre-primary window. Whether that be one, two, three, or four, I don’t care.”
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