Don’t California My South Carolina
Oconee County Is Thriving Because We Reject Failed Policies—and That’s Not Going to Change
It looks like California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Oconee County Democrat Party have decided to bring their political roadshow to our backyard, hoping to sell us the same failed policies that are driving people out of California in record numbers. They say he’s coming here “to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control.” If you’ve seen their announcements, you’d think Oconee County is some hollowed-out community on the brink, desperate for outside intervention.
Let’s set the record straight, with facts, not fiction.
Oconee County: A Tier 1 Success Story
Despite what the Democrats want you to believe, Oconee County is not struggling. In fact, we’re officially ranked as a Tier 1 County by the State of South Carolina for 2025. What does that mean? It means we’re recognized as having one of the strongest, healthiest economies in the state, with high per-capita income, low unemployment, and a proven track record of growth and opportunity. (See the SC Department of Revenue’s official 2025 County Rankings.)
While California is hemorrhaging jobs, businesses, and residents, Oconee is attracting folks and investment from across the country. People are moving here for a reason: they want what we have—safe communities, low taxes, economic freedom, and local government that actually respects your rights.
The Real “Hollowed Out” Party
The only thing hollowed out in Oconee County is the credibility of our local Democrat Party. They would rather import a career politician from Sacramento than admit the truth: Oconee is thriving precisely because we’ve rejected big-government liberalism and embraced conservative values.
While Governor Newsom presides over sky-high crime, taxes, and homelessness back home, we’re busy building a future for our children, a future rooted in hard work, personal responsibility, and respect for rights.
A Message to Newsom and the Oconee Democrats
If Governor Newsom wants to learn what real prosperity looks like, he is welcome to take notes. But Oconee County isn’t interested in lectures, empty slogans, or the latest spin from politicians who can’t fix their own messes. Our results speak for themselves, and we’re not for sale.
To the Oconee Democrats: stop running down our community just because you can’t win here. Our success is real, measurable, and the envy of places run into the ground by the very policies you want to import.
Bottom line:
Oconee County is strong and conservative. We don’t need California’s politics, we don’t need California’s problems, and we certainly don’t need California’s politicians. After all, as Lynyrd Skynyrd put it, a Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow.
-Matthew Durham
Chairman, Oconee County Council
As a refugee of the former great state of California (where I began life in the late 50s with my ex-military dad & beautiful mom) I can tell you life was good. We had a boat in harbor that my dad & grandad built. We owned our own home, had backyard BBQs, croquet & badminton. Kids played safely outdoors till dark and built forts in undeveloped foothills. Then there was the beach, coming of age to the "California Sound" - Eagles, Beach Boys, CSN, etc. We were part of an era which will never be again. What's happening to the "golden state" now is abominable; we got out pre-Covid and can't fathom going back. Don't let that happen here!!! Don Henley says it best: "Call someplace paradise... kiss it goodbye." PS - we don't vote Democrat. We've seen the future (in CA) under their policies. Do. Not. Be. Naive.
The liberal threat to South Carolina isn’t coming solely from California. Residents of New York, New Jersey, Illinois and other blue states are also on their way to the Southeast. The best way to prevent them from Californicating Oconee County is through proper planning.