NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — By now, most Democratic presidential candidates have polished their stump speeches. But when they're in South Carolina, they may need to add in a sermon.
1 / 3FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2019, file photo, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., worships at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C. By now, most Democratic presidential candidates have polished their stump speeches. But when they’re in South Carolina, they may need to add in a sermon. In a large and diverse primary field, White House hopefuls are angling to develop relationships with black churches.
Some 2020 candidates are already working to build their relationships with this community. Sen. Kamala Harris of California will attend an Easter service on Sunday in Columbia at a church whose pastor is a lawmaker who recently endorsed her campaign. She swung through a fellowship hall in North Charleston earlier this year and visited churches last fall to rally voters ahead of the midterms.
"I love the fact that your Bibles are under your seat," she told congregants at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist."When you go on a plane and they say your life preserver is under your seat — OUR life preservers are under our seat!" Still, the visits allow candidates to introduce themselves to voters. They can also potentially elevate their standing with voters if they secure an official endorsement from church leaders.
"Just because the pastor endorses doesn't mean the congregation follows," Seawright said."The sheep don't always follow the shepherd because people have evolved, and they've become more independent in their thought."
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