2020 hopeful Gillibrand immerses herself in early-voting South Carolina

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York immersed herself in South Carolina over the weekend, using her first trip to the state to introduce herself as a possible presidential candidate to the heavily black Democratic electorate.

From a house party and Main Street market to “chicken and waffles” and worship, Gillibrand’s stops encompassed a broad universe of Democrats in this early voting state who are crucial to candidates seeking the party’s nomination for president.

Three days is a significant time investment at this stage in the campaign, as a wide field of candidates sprint among early voting states to raise their profiles and attempt to differentiate themselves. Gillibrand’s visit culminated with visits to several black churches in North Charleston, where she spoke about the importance of faith.

At a Saturday luncheon organized by the daughter of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, Gillibrand introduced herself to about two-dozen attendees, mostly women, giving her viewpoints on environmental issues, health care reform and education disparities.

“I think America’s up to the challenge” of addressing those issues, she said, “but we just need leadership.”

Gillibrand, who has formed an exploratory committee but has yet to launch an official campaign, is on the fringes of entering a diverse field, including two black candidates. South Carolina holds the first presidential vote in the South and has become a crucial proving ground for candidates gauging how their messaging resonates with black voters.

In 2016, nonwhite voters comprised about two-thirds of the state’s Democratic primary electorate, according to data provided by the South Carolina Election Commission.

Ahead of Saturday’s brunch, Gillibrand, 52, took a turn down Columbia’s Main Street, stopping to ask college students about the issues most critical to them, such as the cost of higher education and student loan debt.

A few feet away, fifth-grader Joemari Ellison asked Gillibrand if she’d be willing to listen to kids on issues that matter to them. To 10-year-old Joemari, one those is litter, as well as programs for gifted and talented students.