Local leaders call for unity and action at historic rally against new legislative agenda

Protesters gathered in the parking lot of North Charleston City Hall Friday, voicing their opposition to the current administration with a historic rally.

Multiple groups took turns speaking about President Donald Trump and his recent actions, including the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill."

"Certain people support the president's agenda," State Sen. Deon Tedder, representing District 42, said. "And what I’ve learned is that people are just uninformed. They sound good and they have good sound clips in the media, but when you dig into what they're really doing, it shows we have to do a better job at informing people."

Michael Fronk, Dorchester County Democrats Chair, urged attendees to "really just consider what that bill is going to do and the impacts it could have."

"I think you need to look at what benefits do you have and what are you seeing?" Fronk said.

Rev. Thomas Dixon warned, "There will be many people who will be adversely affected by this bill. Things that have been put into law. So there are people right now who may not be feeling that crunch but eventually will be feeling that pain."

Protesters are already looking ahead to the 2026 elections, encouraging fellow voters to maintain momentum.

Fronk emphasized the importance of voter turnout.

"The real big focus on that is making sure we are taking the same kind of groundswell of support we’re seeing here and turning the same people out in November," Fronk said.

Sen. Tedder added, "You have to get to the polls because we have an opportunity to – specifically in 2026, in the midterms – change the makeup of Congress so they can’t continue to push bills that will strip families away, take away your healthcare, take away your right to choose and those things."

Fronk and other Democratic leaders are looking to unite South Carolina.

"When you really get down to the root of what we believe in, let's align on the fact that we believe everyone has the right to exist in a place that is not hostile and not cruel," he said. "Everyone has the right to fair wages for a day's work. Everyone has a right to healthcare, a roof over their heads and food. And I think that if we can come together on those common grounds, we can figure out the best way to achieve those and not let perfect be the enemy of not good enough."

Organizers stated they do not plan to stop protests against the current administration anytime soon.