By Javar Juarez (CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C. - South Carolina stands at a pivotal moment. The state’s Republican leadership, unchecked in its power, has consistently served the interests of a select few while neglecting the broader needs of its people. From struggling rural towns to underserved urban neighborhoods, communities across South Carolina are grappling with challenges that current leadership has not only ignored but, in many cases, worsened. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has often failed to provide a viable counterbalance, leaving many South Carolinians disillusioned and in search of new solutions.
Yet, a new wave of hope is rising—one that positions progressives as the bright alternative South Carolina desperately needs. Progressive leaders in the state are pushing back against the status quo and championing policies that prioritize people over power. Among them is Brandon Upson, an eighth-generation South Carolinian, U.S. Army combat veteran, and dedicated advocate for his community. Upson’s story, rooted in service and resilience, demonstrates that real influence comes not from political titles but from a deep commitment to lifting up those around him. Progressives like Upson are stepping forward as the answer to South Carolina’s challenges, offering a bold vision for a future that serves all South Carolinians.
With his unyielding commitment to workers’ rights, racial justice, and community empowerment, Upson exemplifies the progressive ideals that set him apart from traditional politics. His “main character energy” has been central to his journey, allowing him to step confidently into spaces where change is sorely needed, all while remaining deeply rooted in the values that come from a life of service and sacrifice.
A Progressive Vision Rooted in Service and Resilience
Raised in Aiken, South Carolina, Brandon Upson grew up navigating the complexities of poverty, racial inequality, and class divides. He was reared in a family that, as he puts it, was “hood rich”—stretching limited resources and relying on resilience to make ends meet. His grandfather hunted to provide food, and his mother—working as a waitress—paid bills with food stamps and cash tips. These experiences didn’t just shape Upson’s understanding of poverty—they taught him how to survive, how to make the most of what he had, and, most importantly, how to advocate for those without a voice.
He knows what it’s like to struggle and survive, but he also understands the importance of representation and influence. When his uncle was brutally attacked in a gang-related incident, Upson felt firsthand the helplessness of watching a loved one navigate a broken justice system. This personal tragedy spurred him to work on “Marsy's Law,” which added constitutional protections for victims of violent crime in several states.
But Upson’s life of service extends far beyond his childhood experiences. He is a U.S. Army combat veteran who served in Iraq as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist and later as a Combat Engineer for a trailblazing task force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Volunteering on more than 100 combat missions, Upson earned an Army Commendation Medal and was named Soldier of the Year in 2006 and NCO of the Year in 2008 for his bravery and dedication. His military experience not only deepened his commitment to service but also equipped him with the discipline and determination that have since fueled his political career.
Today, as a husband and father of three, Upson brings that same resilience and empathy to his political work, striving to create opportunities for others to escape the cycles of poverty and systemic disadvantage that he experienced firsthand.
What It Means to Be a Progressive
To understand Brandon Upson’s journey, it’s essential to grasp his commitment to progressive values. For Upson, being a progressive means standing up to entrenched power and addressing societal issues at their roots. Progressivism, as he sees it, is about leveling the playing field—championing economic and racial justice, supporting workers, ensuring accessible healthcare, and protecting the environment. It’s about putting people before profit and building a government that serves everyone, especially those at the margins. Upson’s dedication to these principles is evident in every aspect of his work, from advocating for workers’ rights to championing racial justice.
From Obama to Tom Steyer: A Path Shaped by Experience
Upson didn’t start at the top—his journey into politics began with the Obama for America campaign, where he honed the skills that would later make him a powerful organizer. Working with the Obama campaign taught him the fundamentals of strategy, relationship-building, and community engagement, all of which continue to guide his work today.
He furthered his political education with Tom Steyer’s Need to Impeach campaign, where he initially organized South Carolina before outperforming expectations and becoming a regional director. As Steyer’s National Organizing Director, Upson led a staff of nearly 1,000 people and championed progressive causes across the country, from impeachment efforts to voter mobilization. Working alongside Steyer solidified Upson’s resolve to fight for the underrepresented, often pushing back against internal opposition to ensure that Black and Brown voices were prioritized in campaign strategy and leadership.
These experiences have given Upson a unique perspective on what it means to be a progressive in South Carolina—a deep understanding of the barriers that exist and the strategies needed to break them down. He’s learned from the best and faced some of the worst political obstacles, but through it all, he’s remained true to his progressive roots.
A Champion for Workers’ Rights
One of the most defining moments in Upson’s career was his work with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in their dispute with the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA). In July 2021, an appeals court affirmed the ILA’s right to enforce the master contract at the new Hugh Leatherman terminal in Charleston, solidifying protections for union labor against the use of non-ILA workers. This legal victory was a significant win not only for union workers but also for labor rights across South Carolina, as it paved the way for job security and better wages.
Upson stood firmly with the longshoremen throughout their fight, despite the opposition from South Carolina’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster. His support for the ILA reflects his deep commitment to workers’ rights, which he sees as fundamental to any progressive agenda. For Upson, the fight for fair wages and job security is not just about economics—it’s about dignity and respect for all workers.
“Workers’ rights aren’t just a talking point—they’re embedded in the work I do every day,” Upson says. “If you’re truly progressive, you stand with labor because labor is the backbone of our communities.”
The Shortcomings of the State Democratic Party
For decades, South Carolina’s Democratic Party has struggled to provide a meaningful counterbalance to the Republican stronghold in the state. Upson, who once chaired the Black Caucus within the state Democratic Party and even ran for state chair, has seen the party’s internal dysfunctions up close. Despite having an electorate hungry for change, the party has been plagued by a lack of strategic vision, funding issues, and, at times, outright gatekeeping by those resistant to progressive voices.
“The Democratic Party here is stuck in a losing game,” Upson explains. “Too often, the people in power are only interested in keeping things the way they’ve always been. They don’t want new voices or new ideas because they feel threatened by them.”
This fear of change is evident in the party’s approach to elections. Nearly 70% of Republican-held seats go uncontested by Democrats, and the candidates who do run are often first-timers with little support. The party has failed to build a sustainable pipeline of strong, prepared candidates, instead relying on last-minute efforts that leave candidates isolated and unsupported. “We’re not in the game to win,” Upson said. “We’re just in the game to play—and we’re losing ground because of it.”
Upson’s call to action isn’t limited to criticizing the party, though. It’s a rallying cry for South Carolinians who are ready for change.
Community Power Over Political Parties
One of Upson’s key messages is that the power to change South Carolina’s future lies not within the party structures but within the communities themselves. He has consistently worked to build coalitions that uplift Black voices, support working-class communities, and encourage marginalized groups to get involved in politics without waiting for approval or funding from traditional institutions.
“Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait your turn,” Upson says. “If the Spirit moves you to serve your people, do it with what you have. We don’t need the party’s permission to make a difference.”
For Upson, this work has meant partnering with grassroots organizations, supporting progressive candidates across the South, and investing in long-term strategies to empower communities. His work has led him to national influence, partnering with Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBN) and The New Progressive Journal, which have brought much-needed visibility to the struggles and aspirations of South Carolina’s communities.
Building a New Progressive Future
Upson’s goal is clear: to create a South Carolina where people don’t just survive—they thrive. His vision is for a robust, progressive coalition that is independent of party politics and built on a foundation of community solidarity. He envisions a network of organizers, strategists, and activists who are prepared to run for office, advocate for policy changes, and bring real solutions to South Carolina’s pressing issues.
But Upson also recognizes that achieving this vision will require the support of a new generation.
“We have everything we need to be successful,” he insists. “But we need people who are ready to step up, who are willing to do the work without waiting for the traditional pathways to open up for them.”
“The future belongs to those who dare to claim it,” Upson says. “We don’t have to wait for someone else to hand it to us.”
A Call for Progressive Action: Don't Wait for Permission
Brandon Upson’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t come from those in power alone—it comes from communities stepping up and refusing to accept the status quo. His advice to South Carolinians is simple but powerful: “Do what you can with what you have, and don’t wait for permission or your ‘turn.’”
South Carolina is facing some of its most challenging times, but Upson’s message is one of hope. With leaders like him who are grounded in their communities, willing to fight for justice, and committed to lifting others up, a new progressive movement is not only possible—it’s inevitable. The question is: will South Carolinians answer the call?
This is more than just an interview with a political figure. It’s a manifesto for a new era of leadership in South Carolina. Upson’s story is a call for everyday people to step up, build the infrastructure, and become the leaders they’ve been waiting for. In a state where the Democratic Party has too often failed to provide a meaningful path forward, it’s up to the people to create the change they want to see.
Brandon Upson is more than just a rising political star—he’s a force for change that South Carolina desperately needs. For those who feel abandoned by the state’s current leadership, his message offers a path forward: a progressive South Carolina built by the people, for the people, and free from the constraints of traditional power structures.
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