1969 - 1996

 

The United Citizens Party (UCP) was formed in 1969 and officially established in 1970 as the first state political party in South Carolina organized and controlled by Black citizens.

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At the time, Black South Carolinians held little to no positions of power in local government. In response, the UCP fielded candidates in the 1970 election for governor, lieutenant governor, the state legislature, and county councils—creating new pathways for representation where none previously existed.

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In 1972, the party utilized fusion voting to support Democratic nominee George McGovern in his campaign against Richard Nixon. That same period marked a turning point, as more Black candidates began running for—and winning—public office within the traditional two-party system.

As representation expanded, the original need for the UCP diminished, and the party became inactive.

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In 1988, the party faced decertification until the New Alliance Party filed the necessary paperwork to preserve its ballot status. During this period, the organization was renamed the Patriot Party, and Lenora Fulani became its first presidential candidate under the new name.

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In 1992, the party supported Reform Party presidential candidate Ross Perot. By 1996, the Reform Party had gained official recognition in South Carolina, allowing Perot to appear on the ballot through fusion voting as both the Patriot Party and Reform Party candidate.

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1996 - Present

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Information coming soon.