We are not ready to discuss that yet but we have our goals in place and the early indications are that our messaging is resonating with both potential candidates and voters.

For sure. And we are very excited about the receptiveness we have heard from non-partisan, Democrat and Republican office-holders who are just as tired of toxic politics as voters.

Combined we have about 4,000 supporters in our database. It’s a good start but we obviously have a long way to go. We are working shoulder to shoulder with many other organizations—both partisan and nonpartisan—on different initiatives in the state. So, our numbers clearly multiply that way.

While we understand that the large parties don’t like competition, our focus is on making sense to the majority of voters.

The ability to run Forward candidates is something that both legacy entities view as very valuable. However, if the values and priorities are not shared then the merger result will not last. And if the leadership of both parties is not in sync, then the party will not be successful. Luckily, the Independence Party and Forward Party are in lock-step with our shared values.

We are a South Carolina home for sane Republicans, Democrats who haven’t given up, and Independents who still want to matter.

We know that right now more Americans identify as Independent than Republicans and Democrats combined. But Independents are discounted by the media and the major parties. We are a big-tent political home for people—all people—who feel disenfranchised, unheard, taken for granted, uncomfortable and totally exhausted by the toxic atmosphere created by the “Political Industrial complex” in America. The major parties have gamed the system to eliminate competition for so long that voters only have the illusion of choice. That’s why Congress has an approval rating around 20% yet 92% of incumbents get re-elected.  So voter turnout is low and people have lost trust in their government. If that strikes a chord in your gut then we are the party for you.

 That race—even when added to all federal races—represents less than 1% of the elections across America. There are 500,000 races down the ballot (many of which are uncontested) that determine the kitchen-table issues that really affect the lives of Americans. To build a political party to last into the future, that is where we believe we have to start.

Starting at the municipal level we will win with better candidates.

Both entities involved in this merger are dedicated to the belief that we can build a new, durable political party in South Carolina that will help strengthen our democracy and tamp down the division and toxic extremism that has swept across our great nation.  We intend to create a home for the most diverse cross-section of Americans ever assembled into one party that highlights the very best of who we can be. We want a transparent, accountable government, with leaders who want to innovate and work together to solve major problems.

The South Carolina Independence Party has absorbed the South Carolina Forward Party community and assets. Wayne Griffin, previously the SCIP Executive Committee Chair, will be the Chair of the new entity, and the new executive committee will be composed of leaders from both parties. The name of the new entity has been changed to the Forward Party of South Carolina.

The South Carolina Independence Party has been a recognized and active political party in South Carolina since the late 60s. The national Forward Party was founded in October of 2021.  As the two entities got to know each other, they saw how much common ground in terms of values, principles, and vision they had. Over the past seven months, the leaders of both parties have gotten to know each other well and came to the joint conclusion that the groups can be more effective working as one rather than individually.