Daughter of Spartanburg educators, Kathryn Harvey, makes a splash in South Carolina’s fourth congressional district race. With incumbent Wiliam Timmons fighting to keep the seat, Harvey brings a vivid, energetic passion toward her campaign.
Timmons, though invited to join the on-campus forum, declined to respond to the opportunity to visit. However, both Timmons and Harvey engaged in a televised debate on Fox Carolina News on Oct. 22.
The crowd brought together Wofford students and Spartanburg community members alike. However, the emphasis was on the college students.
“In this college town, I don’t think we listen to our students enough,” Harvey said.
A panel of four students posed questions to Harvey, asking about policy stances regarding women’s rights, the economy, climate change and gun safety. Seniors Mary Charles Burke, Dalton Perry and Cannon Murray were joined by junior Laila Villeda in asking questions of the candidate.
Burke, from Charlotte, NC, serves as president of Wofford Women’s Health Coalition. Murray, from Charleston, is the president of the Mock Trial club. Perry, native of Columbia, SC, is heading the pre-law society. Villeda is president of the Organization of Latin American Students.
These students show pronounced leadership and relevant interests to Harvey’s campaign. None of the selected students, however, are eligible to vote for Harvey.
Harvey, a Spartanburg High School graduate, attended New York University and has experience working for nonprofits and small businesses.
Believing in the true merit and character of the candidates is seldom found in today’s polarized election process. Harvey does show strong convictions in the purpose of her campaign. Harvey remained convicted throughout the student-led question and answer panel and the follow up audience questions.
“I have never believed more in anything I have done than what I am doing right now,” Harvey said.
Like most critics of current day politics, Harvey felt disillusioned by the state’s leadership, she points out,, especially seen in Timmon’s terms. In a partisan era of United States government, Harvey asserts that quality governance has been lost.
“We have lost servant leadership in our partisan politics,” Harvey said.
Serving as the state party chair of the democratic party, Harvey helped organize the Spratt Issues conference on Wofford’s campus last November. Then senior Sarah Greenlee ‘24, also helped organize the event, where Harvey noticed Greenlee’s commitment to the party.
“Thankfully– she saw something in me that day and asked me to join her campaign last spring. I have been working with her ever since,” Harvey said.
This Summer, Greenlee was asked to contribute to Harvey’s social media campaign. Greenlee worked her way up to Campaign Finance Director for Harvey’s campaign after joining Harvey’s campaign this past Spring.
The discussion panel did not exclude vivid criticisms of current district four representative William Timmons, who is seeking her fourth term in office. Harvey claims Timmons is absent in the district, and is unaware of the needs of his constituents.
Based on Timmons website, he fights for policies promoting national security, uplifting small business, helping veterans and holding Congress accountable.
Harvey centered the closing notes of her campaign on reproductive rights, including In Vitro Fertilization, abortion, and reproductive healthcare. This is the first time Harvey has run for office, however, her campaign has clearly motivated members of the fourth congressional district.
This is also seen in her campaign spending. Harvey’s campaign has raised more money than any other Democratic candidate in SC-04. She has also focused solely on grassroots fundraising efforts to sponsor her campaign, avoiding large corporate donations.
Her closing remarks ended with a call to action of the audience, telling the audience to register to vote and help inform other voters in the area. In a pivotal election year, it is vital for the Democratic Republic to hear the voices of all people.
