Former President Joe Biden is scheduled to make his first visit to South Carolina since departing the White House to attend a special reception hosted by the state’s Democratic Party. The event, slated for February 27 in Columbia, marks a homecoming of sorts for the former president, whose political trajectory was reshaped by the Palmetto State.
The gathering is designed to celebrate the anniversary of the 2020 South Carolina primary, a contest that served as the definitive turning point for Biden’s path to the Democratic nomination and the presidency. After struggling in early primary states that year, a strong performance in South Carolina resulted in a victory of more than 28 points, providing the momentum necessary to secure his party’s support.
The South Carolina Democratic Party characterized the upcoming dinner as a tribute to Biden’s decades of public service. State party leaders highlighted the impact of his administration’s policies, noting that his primary win in the state eventually led to significant federal investments in national infrastructure and economic development.
Biden’s relationship with South Carolina remained consistent throughout his four years in office. He frequently visited the state for both official and personal reasons, including a keynote address at Emanuel AME Church and family vacations on Kiawah Island. His final day as president on January 19, 2025, was also spent in the Lowcountry, where he addressed a congregation in North Charleston and visited the International African American Museum.
The Columbia reception will feature several prominent state Democratic leaders alongside the former president. The event serves as one of Biden’s first major public appearances in a political setting since the conclusion of his term.
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