Small Business "Backbone" Podcast · Frank Knapp

Georgetown, SC, Mayor-Elect makes case for his Forward Party and city’s economic future

·21 min·2 clips

Georgetown's mayor-elect explains why he ran under the Forward Party instead of as a Democrat or Republican.

This episode features host Frank Knapp interviewing Jay Doyle, the Mayor-Elect of Georgetown, South Carolina. Doyle won his election as a candidate of the Forward Party, which is notable because Georgetown holds partisan municipal elections. Knapp explores Doyle's political choice and his vision for the city. Georgetown's elections are partisan, unlike most South Carolina municipalities. Doyle ran against the incumbent Republican mayor. He chose the Forward Party because he did not want to align with the Democratic or Republican parties. Doyle states he specifically did not want to associate himself with Donald Trump or Joe Biden. When filing to run, he was told he could not register as an independent in South Carolina. He selected the Forward Party from a provided list of recognized parties. Doyle describes the party's platform as a perfect fit for his views. He also mentions having conversations with Republicans about his political affiliation. A key insight is that South Carolina law requires municipal candidates in partisan races to affiliate with a formal party. Doyle's victory demonstrates a successful local campaign outside the two major parties. His decision was pragmatic, driven by ballot access rules rather than deep prior allegiance. The discussion reveals how local election structures can shape candidate choices. The Forward Party provided a viable label for a candidate seeking a non-traditional path. The tone is conversational and interview-based, focusing on local politics and practical governance. The style is educational, clarifying unique election laws in South Carolina. Listeners interested in third-party politics and local election mechanics would enjoy this episode. Those seeking deep policy debates or national political analysis might find it too narrowly focused.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Small Business "Backbone" Podcast