Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) has elected Mayra Rivera-Vazquez as their State Party Second Vice-chair making her the first Latina officer in the party’s history. The election was held at the party’s state convention on Saturday, April 29th, 2023.
Rivera-Vazquez, a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, is a longtime Democratic activist and community organizer in South Carolina. She has served the party as Candidate Recruitment Committee member, Latino Outreach Co-coordinator for Jaime Harrison’s 2020 Senate race and Regional Coordinator for SCDP Voter Protection Unit. Currently, she served as State Party Hispanic Caucus Chair.
She served as Beaufort County Democratic Party Chair for two terms, being the first Latina holding that position in the State.
“I am honored to have been elected as the first Latina officer of the South Carolina Democratic Party,” said Rivera-Vazquez. “As Second Vice Chair, I will work tirelessly to promote our party’s values and to increase voter engagement across the state.”
In her new role, Rivera-Vazquez will work closely with other party leaders to develop and implement strategies to grow the party and support Democratic candidates at all levels of government.
“Mayra is a dedicated and passionate advocate for our party and our state,” said Kathleen Hughes, Chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party. “Her experience and leadership skills will be invaluable as we work to build a stronger, more diverse and inclusive Democratic Party in South Carolina.” During the Democratic Party Convention, Christale Spain was elected State Chair, and serves as the first Black women in that position. Colleen Condon was elected as First Vice Chair. Condon is the first non-binary person to serve in that position.
Rivera-Vazquez’s historic election comes at a critical time for the South Carolina Democratic Party, as they look to build on recent gains and make further inroads in the traditionally conservative state. With her leadership and vision, Rivera-Vazquez is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the party and advancing Democratic values across South Carolina.
By: Kathleen Hughes, BCDP County Chair
