Press Release
In response to Deon Tedder's victory tonight, Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) President John Tynan shared:
“In tonight's victory for Tedder in District 42, voters showed today that true conservation leadership is a ‘must have' in their Senator. Deon Tedder's victory shows that voters will go to the polls time and time again to elect leaders who fight – and win – for clean energy and conservation.”
Investments by CVSC and CVSC-PAC appear to have been the difference-maker in the primary and runoff elections. In a CVSC-commissioned poll conducted on July 19-21, Tedder showed only 9% support among likely primary voters.
CVSC and CVSC-PAC followed on the heels of the poll with a $125,000+ independent expenditure campaign in support of Tedder, knocking on over 6,500 doors, sending over 55,000 pieces of mail, making 4,000 phone calls, and sending 5,000 text messages. For nearly six weeks from early August to September 19, voters were inundated with messages from CVSC and CVSC-PAC informing them of Tedder's background, qualifications, and leadership experience.
On September 5, Tedder secured 39% of the primary vote. Then, on September 19, Tedder secured a runoff victory with 50.13% of the vote.
