Democrats Rally in Primary Bid to Oust GOP's Russell Fry for U.S. 7th District

Mal Hyman and Ms. Barbara Carraway at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Enrichment Center Hartsville, S.C.

by Javar Juarez- Last updated: 10:24pm EST

Hartsville, S.C. (CUBN)- Rural communities across South Carolina are coming up with innovative ways to engage and inform their public. One such initiative is happening at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Hartsville, SC, which has quickly become a hub for community advancement in Darlington County. On Friday, March 24th, 2024, the church's enrichment center sponsored a picnic-style fish fry, bringing the community together to hear from their elected officials.

Sen. Gerald Malloy

The event featured Senator Gerald Malloy, who represents Senate District 29, encompassing Darlington, Chesterfield, Lee, and Marlborough counties. Senator Malloy emphasized the importance of community involvement and urged everyone to participate actively in the upcoming election. He highlighted the significant challenges marginalized communities face under the current Republican-led government and Supreme Court.

Barbara Carraway, a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church and an active figure in the South Carolina Democratic Party, organized the event. Carraway's efforts ensured that constituents could hear from candidates running for office, including Professor Mal Hyman and Daryl Scott. She stressed the critical moment the community is facing and the importance of exercising their voting rights with pride and civic duty.

Pastor Roderick Cummings, a leader and community organizer at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, spoke about the necessity of church members understanding those who seek their vote. He highlighted the vital role churches can play in civic education and engagement, contrary to the misconception that churches cannot be used as centers for such purposes.

The event also addressed a pressing issue: the exodus of young people from rural communities. Young black individuals, often facing high levels of oppression and poverty, are moving to city centers, believing they offer more opportunities. Pastor Cummings is working to change this perception, helping rural youth see the value in their land and heritage. He emphasized the opportunities available in rural South Carolina, such as land ownership, community support, and a healthier lifestyle.

Both Daryl Scott and Mal Hyman are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7.

Candidate Transcripts

Daryl Scott

Daryl Scott:

"My name is Daryl Scott, retired Major of the United States Army. I was born and raised in Conway, SC, and I hold a bachelor’s degree from Morris College and a master’s degree obtained later. I’m running for South Carolina District 7 for the United States House of Representatives. My campaign is focused on families: educating our kids, sustaining households through a living wage, and empowering homes with both parents.

This position is a 24-month term, not 24 years. I plan to prioritize families and work towards a level playing field for all. Despite the challenges posed by recent Supreme Court decisions favoring Republican gerrymandering, I believe in one person, one vote. 

We need transformational leadership to navigate these issues. For example, the new inland port in Dillon, SC, presents a significant opportunity for local businesses. My goal is to bring income and wealth to our counties and build ecosystems that support small businesses.

I need your vote and continuous support to push through vital legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and HR 40. My name is Daryl Scott, and I’m running for Congress in South Carolina’s 7th District."

Mr. Scott also stated that he is not in favor of expanding the United States Supreme Court.

Mal Hyman:

Mal Hyman

"My name is Mal Hyman, and I am running for the 7th Congressional District in South Carolina. I’ve lived in Hartsville for the past 37 years and have dedicated my life to teaching, serving on community boards, and working on human rights issues. 

I’m deeply concerned about the country’s direction, especially following the recent Supreme Court decision that favored Republican gerrymandering. Gerrymandering undermines democracy, and we need nonpartisan commissions to draw fair districts. 

I also support expanding or imposing term limits on the Supreme Court to ensure ethical standards. Our current system allows too much autonomy, leading to poor decisions affecting voting rights and women’s reproductive rights.

Corporations have too much power, influencing politics through unlimited super PAC donations. We must demand change from the bottom up, as seen in the civil rights movement. The people must lead for America to continue its redemption story."

"My name is Mal Hyman, and I am running for Congress in South Carolina’s 7th District to fight for these changes and more."

The fish fry event at Mount Calvary Baptist Church highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for informed voting. With leaders like Senator Malloy, Barbara Carraway, Pastor Cummings, and others, rural South Carolina is mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Russell Fry Incumbent 

In South Carolina, Russell Fry, who replaced Republican Tom Rice, defeated the incumbent after Rice lost his re-election bid. Rice was one of the ten congressional Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump following the Capitol riot, making him the first of that group to lose re-election in 2022. Fry, who has publicly spread lies and promoted conspiracies about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, expressed to The New York Times, “It is very clear that it was rigged.” This statement underscores his alignment with efforts to undermine the integrity of the 2020 election, including supporting litigation based on baseless claims, promoting Stop the Steal events, and calling for forensic audits despite the results standing up to multiple legal challenges.

Candidate Links: 

[Mal Hyman for Congress](https://malhyman.com/)

[Ballotpedia - Mal Hyman](https://ballotpedia.org/Mal_Hyman)

[Ballotpedia - Daryl Scott](https://ballotpedia.org/Daryl_Scott)

Russell Fry Election Denier: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/09/us/politics/election-deniers-midterm-wins.html

The Columbia Urban Broadcast Network, an independent Black-owned media company, needs your support to continue bringing our stories and issues to the forefront in South Carolina and across America. Please consider donating to our cause via corporate CashApp: $CUBNSC

Thank you!

section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.