South Carolina Football: Moe Brown Wins Democratic Primary in SC’s 5th District

A former South Carolina football player has won the Democratic primary for the state’s 5th District congressional race.

Former Gamecock wide receiver Moe Brown won the South Carolina 5th District congressional primary last night over challenger Sidney Moore.  The Democratic Party nominee will face off against incumbent Republican US Representative Ralph Norman in November.  Brown won with nearly 68% of the vote.

Norman has held the seat since 2017, taking over after Mick Mulvaney left his post to become President Donald Trump’s budget director.  Brown, who had an opportunity to build his political background by working for the Department of Commerce under former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, will hope to carry this momentum into the congressional race.

Throughout his campaign, Brown faced adversity, but persevered.  Just as his run got started, the state and country were struck with the Coronavirus pandemic.  That deterred the Fort Mill native from being able to hold large campaign gatherings.  He instead turned to an online and social media presence to connect with the community, which obviously had a great impact.

The pandemic hit in more ways than one for Brown, though.  Just a few months ago, his grandmother passed after contracting COVID-19 at the age of 80 years old.  Brown was able to overcome the challenging circumstances, now celebrating a chance at becoming a member of the US House of Representatives.

Brown played wide receiver for head coach Steve Spurrier from 2006-2009, while also studying political science.  In his senior season, he caught 33 passes for 491 yards and three scores, his most successful campaign as a Gamecock.  Over his four year career, he totaled 85 catches, 1,124 receiving yards, 124 rushing yards, and four touchdowns.  He helped lead South Carolina to three bowl game appearances and was named a team captain in his final season.