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The 2026 midterms are approaching, but are voters actually excited about either political party? Reed Galen, co-founder of the Lincoln Project and founder of Civic Forum, joins Grace to examine shifting voter loyalties, the growing influence of billionaires and dark money in elections, and why traditional campaign strategies are failing to connect with Americans. From the political disillusionment of young voters to the future of the Democratic Party, they explore what it will take to rebuild public trust, modernize government, and create meaningful political change. 00:00 Civic Forum and the Crisis Facing Young Men 11:07 Can Young Men Swing the Election? 18:34 The Broken Economics of Campaign Politics 28:32 Democrats Need to Fix Government, Not Just Fight Trump 38:57 What Good Campaigns Actually Get Right 44:55 How Democrats Lost the Working Class Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District has been represented by Joe Wilson since 2001, but Democratic challenger Zyon Khalifa believes voters are ready for a different approach. Zyon joins Grace to discuss his campaign for the U.S. House, his outreach to younger Republican voters, and the issues shaping the 2026 midterm elections. From housing affordability and education costs to generational representation in Congress, Zyon explains how his priorities differ from those of the longtime incumbent. He also shares highlights from their recent debate and why he believes connecting directly with voters is central to his campaign.

South Carolina has faced billions of dollars in accounting errors, raising serious questions about financial oversight and accountability. Tiffany Boozer, Democratic candidate for South Carolina Comptroller General, joins Grace to discuss the state's financial reporting controversies, the responsibilities of the Comptroller General's office, and why the position requires no formal accounting qualifications. Drawing on her experience as a CPA and internal auditor, Tiffany explains the importance of checks and balances between the Comptroller General, State Treasurer, and State Auditor. She also shares her approach to campaigning across South Carolina and why she believes financial accountability should transcend party politics.

Political campaigns are raising more money, reaching more voters, and still struggling to win. Jason Wong, Chief Technology Officer at ActBlue, joins Grace to explore how campaign fundraising, grassroots donations, and political technology are reshaping the election playbook. From the growing influence of big-money donors to the challenges facing down-ballot candidates in South Carolina, they examine why traditional campaign strategies are falling behind and how ActBlue is expanding its tools to help candidates compete. With AI entering political campaigns and voters growing tired of endless texts and mailers, what will it take to modernize how elections are won? 00:00 Introduction 03:47 ActBlue Expands Beyond Fundraising 06:30 Why Down-Ballot Campaigns Need Better Tools 10:24 Big Donors vs. Grassroots Fundraising 15:23 How AI Could Change Political Campaigns 17:49 Why Campaign Marketing Is Falling Behind Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

South Carolina's $1.8 billion accounting error has raised serious questions about financial oversight, transparency, and accountability in state government. We sit down with Vincent Coe, candidate for South Carolina State Treasurer, to discuss his financial background, his challenge to incumbent Curtis Loftis, and his vision for managing taxpayer dollars. From investing state funds in local community banks to restoring public trust in the Treasurer's Office, Vincent outlines the changes he believes South Carolina needs. We also explore his bipartisan support, including an endorsement from Republican Senator Katrina Shealy, and the importance of putting public service ahead of party loyalty. 00:00 The Race for South Carolina State Treasurer 01:24 Why Vincent Coe Says He's Qualified 08:45 The $1.8 Billion Accounting Error 12:54 Why the Treasurer's Office Should Be Nonpartisan 17:54 Katrina Shealy's Cross-Party Endorsement 23:56 The Best Hot Dog on the Campaign Trail Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What does it take to challenge an incumbent Republican in South Carolina’s deeply conservative 3rd Congressional District? We sit down with Democratic congressional candidate Eunice Lehmacher to explore her campaign against Sheri Biggs, her approach to bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges of reaching voters who feel disconnected from government. From electricity rates and data centers to agricultural subsidies, Social Security, and congressional redistricting, we examine the issues shaping the SC-3 race. We also discuss how personal relationships, community advocacy, and listening to voters influence Lehmacher’s approach to representation. 00:00 Why Eunice Lehmacher Is Running for SC-3 02:20 How She Plans to Lower Costs 07:17 Gerrymandering and Winning Republican Votes 10:43 What SC Voters Say About Costs and Politics 15:45 Her Closing Case: Show Up and Listen Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

South Carolina's agricultural industry is facing growing pressure from rising costs, farmland development, and gaps in the state's food supply chain. We talk with DeShawn Blanding, Democratic candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, about his plans to support local farmers, expand food processing infrastructure, protect agricultural land, and strengthen food safety oversight. Drawing on his family's farming legacy and experience in federal agricultural policy, Blanding explains how he would approach the challenges facing South Carolina's farmers and consumers. We also examine the intersection of agriculture, affordability, and politics in a state where farming remains a major economic force. 00:00 Why the SC Agriculture Commissioner Matters 03:38 Fixing South Carolina's Food Supply Chain 09:01 Why Agriculture Became Political 11:42 A Grassroots Campaign Across South Carolina 14:07 Protecting SC Farmland and Food Safety 19:16 DeShawn Blanding's Agricultural Roots 22:30 Who Can Be SC Agriculture Commissioner? Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What happens when voters are fed up with both political parties but don't believe a third-party candidate can win? We sit down with Kasie Whitener, the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, to discuss her campaign, the national debt, and why she believes the political establishment has lost sight of the people it's supposed to represent. We explore the influence of campaign money, corporate interests, government accountability, and the challenges facing independent candidates in a system dominated by Republicans and Democrats. Whitener also shares her vision for smaller government, stronger communities, and a different approach to representing South Carolina in Washington. 00:00 From Writer to U.S. Senate Candidate 05:20 What Libertarians Actually Believe 08:54 Why Third-Party Votes Matter 14:40 Why the Two-Party System Resists Change 20:54 Debt, Inflation, Taxes, and Corporate Power 27:34 Government Accountability and Local Power 33:27 Political Extremes and Gen X Self-Reliance 36:26 The Final Weeks of the Senate Campaign Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson believes voters are ready for a different approach after more than two decades of Republican leadership. We talk with Johnson about his campaign for governor in the 2026 South Carolina election, his efforts to build a bipartisan coalition, and the challenges of running as a Democrat in a traditionally Republican state. From rising grocery prices and infrastructure problems to education and Medicaid expansion, Johnson outlines his policy priorities and his vision for improving quality of life across South Carolina. We also explore voter turnout, campaign fundraising, and what he believes could change the state's political future. 00:00 Why South Carolina Voters Want Change 09:10 South Carolina First, Not Washington 10:51 Can Democrats Flip South Carolina? 14:29 Campaign Trail Food Across 46 Counties 15:54 Measuring Success by How People Are Doing 17:02 Expanding Medicaid in South Carolina

What happens when South Carolina’s top law enforcement office becomes a political platform instead of an advocate for the people? We sit down with Democratic candidate and longtime Lowcountry attorney Richard Hrisick to explore his campaign to restore the rule of law, protect consumers, and hold powerful interests accountable. Hrisick challenges outgoing Attorney General Alan Wilson’s approach to the office, explains how the attorney general can address corporate misconduct, utility rate hikes, and environmental pollution, and shares why he refuses to accept campaign donations. We also examine whether his unconventional, grassroots campaign can overcome South Carolina’s partisan divide in the 2026 attorney general election. 00:00 Why Richard is Running for Attorney General 03:54 What the Attorney General Should Be Doing 10:12 Keeping Politics Out of the Rule of Law 17:58 Why He’s Running Without Campaign Money 24:20 Fighting Corruption and Political Influence Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

South Carolina’s race for State Superintendent of Education is heating up as questions surrounding school vouchers, education funding, and student achievement take center stage. We welcome Democratic candidate Sylvia Wright back to Frogmore Stew to examine the controversy surrounding South Carolina’s school voucher program, the state’s literacy crisis, and her challenge to incumbent Ellen Weaver. Wright outlines her plans for universal pre-K, improving teacher pay, strengthening rural schools, and bringing greater transparency and accountability to education spending. With the 2026 election approaching, we explore what's at stake for South Carolina's public schools and the families who depend on them.

Can Mallory Dittmer bring a different approach to South Carolina's 5th Congressional District? We welcome the Democratic candidate for U.S. House in SC-5 to discuss the 2026 congressional election, rising living costs, political division, and her concerns about Republican opponent Wes Climer's record. We examine South Carolina's energy policies, public education funding, school vouchers, and the influence of Moms for Liberty on local school boards. Mallory also shares her views on congressional redistricting, gerrymandering, and the challenges facing voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections. 00:00 Mallory Dittmer's Priorities for SC-5 02:30 Affordability and Political Messaging 06:23 West Clymer and Lawmaker Pay Raises 10:35 Energy Costs, Deregulation, and Tax Policy 13:08 School Funding and Moms for Liberty 19:56 South Carolina Redistricting and Gerrymandering Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

What happens if Democrats win the 2026 midterms but fail to give voters a reason to stick around? We welcome Reed Galen, co-founder of the Lincoln Project and former Republican strategist, to examine MAGA's grip on the GOP, why a potential blue wave could be driven by Republicans staying home, and what Democrats are missing. From South Carolina voter turnout to economic inequality, affordability, and the erosion of grassroots political organizing, we explore why electoral victories rarely translate into lasting political change. Galen argues that opposing Donald Trump isn't enough, and Democrats need a compelling vision for what comes next. Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/

Courtney McClain is challenging incumbent William Timmons for South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, bringing a grassroots organizing background and a focus on reaching voters who feel left behind. We talk with McClain about why she entered politics, how her experiences shaped her campaign, and why younger generations need a greater voice in government. She also discusses redistricting, healthcare costs, Medicaid and SNAP cuts, immigration, data centers, and her approach to connecting with communities across Greenville and the Upstate. McClain explains how her campaign hopes to increase voter turnout and challenge the political status quo in SC-4.

John Vincent is running to represent South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, and he says restoring constitutional accountability is at the center of his campaign. We talk with the SC-7 candidate about congressional power, tariffs, war powers, government spending, health care, and his approach to being socially liberal while fiscally conservative. Vincent also explains why he believes Democrats cannot win in South Carolina through turnout alone and why reaching Republican and independent voters matters in the South Carolina congressional race. As part of our Meet the Candidates series, we look at Vincent’s campaign for South Carolina’s 7th District and his approach to politics in one of the state’s most Republican congressional districts. Frogmore Stew brings context, history, and political analysis to the stories shaping South Carolina. There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/