"SOBAD" is an acronym for SOuth Brunswick Area Democrats. SOBAD was created in 2017 in response to the Presidency of Donald Trump. It began as a Facebook page for progressives, liberals, and moderates to post their opinions, views, and memes. SOBAD eventually became a “safe place” for Democrats to connect with one another in conservative Brunswick County. It continues to be a platform to share important legislative actions and to promote upcoming events of the Brunswick County Democratic Party (BCDP), the Brunswick County Senior Democrats, and Democrats throughout North and South Carolina.
While SOBAD was originally created for southwestern Brunswick County precincts, Democrats from all over our county, as well as neighbors in New Hanover, Columbus, and Horry counties, have joined the group to help preserve the rights and democracy we all value in our region.
The five original precincts of SOBAD were Shingletree #1 (Sunset Beach), Shingletree #2 (Calabash and Carolina Shores), Grissettown (Ocean Isle Beach), Frying Pan (Shallotte), and Hickman’s Crossroads (Calabash, Longwood, & Ash). As SOBAD’s popularity grew, in 2021 it expanded to include the precincts representing the communities of Holden Beach, Oak Island, Southport, Bald Head Island, Supply, Bolivia, and St. James. SOBAD believes there is strength in numbers. Combining all the coastal and southern precincts of Brunswick County brings Democrats closer to the goal of turning Brunswick County blue.
SOBAD is best known for establishing an annual golf tournament, first hosted in Sunset Beach in 2017. In its first three years at Sunset Beach, the tournament became the largest fundraiser for the BCDP. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the tournament expanded to include all of Brunswick County in 2022 and became known as the BCDP Golf Tournament. For the last two years, the tournament has been held at Carolina National in Bolivia. Since its inception, the SOBAD / BCDP Golf Tournament has raised over $30,000.00 for the BCDP and our progressive candidates who run for office in Brunswick County.
SOBAD is now approaching one thousand members. If you’re interested in connecting with local like-minded Democrats, just click this link and ask to join: SOBAD Facebook Page!
-- Neil Gilbert, SOBAD Founder