On May 30, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke at Representative Jim Clyburn’s 33rd annual “World Famous Fish Fry” in Columbia, South Carolina, urging Democrats to adopt a fiercer, more proactive stance to rebuild the party and win back voters. The event, held at EdVenture Children’s Museum, followed the South Carolina Democratic Party’s Blue Palmetto Dinner and marked the start of the SCDP’s 2025 Dem Weekend, concluding with the state convention on May 31.
Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, emphasized urgency and action, stating, “Gone are the days when the Democrats are the party of ‘no’ and ‘slow.’ We must be the party of ‘yes’ and ‘now.’” He highlighted the need to counter book bans and attacks on minority rights, declaring, “They are banning books about our history because they know if you know your history, you know your power.” Walz called for a change in attitude, urging Democrats to “compete in every district, compete for every school board seat, and come out to this damn fish fry with the attitude: ‘we’re going to fill up on some fish, and then we are going to beat the hell out of these dictators.’” Both governors stressed building coalitions, engaging diverse constituencies early, and not waiting for a “savior” to rescue the party.
Despite speculation about 2028 presidential ambitions, both Moore and Walz denied plans to run, with Moore stating, “Anyone who is talking about 2028 is not taking 2025 very seriously,” and Walz noting he’s unsure if the party’s next leader is evident yet, saying, “I think it’s a super talented bench, but I’m not sure they’re out there yet.” Clyburn, a key figure in South Carolina politics, praised both as “great leaders” but said their future plans are their own to decide. The fish fry, a historic event known for fried whiting, dancing, and politicking, remains a platform for Democratic rising stars to connect with influential voters and operatives, though it was less frenetic than the 2019 event with its crowded field of candidates.
The governors’ remarks reflect a push to energize Democrats for the 2026 midterms and beyond, leveraging South Carolina’s early primary influence, as reinforced by Clyburn’s role in elevating Biden in 2020. The event, attended by hundreds, underscored the party’s focus on unity and action amid challenges from the Trump administration.
