Featured Candidates

Rep. Batch won her district in 2018 after a very difficult race. She’s served her time in office while battling breast cancer, and will continue to push through life’s hardships while fighting for our communities at the NCGA. Rep. Batch’s priorities include public education, protecting our environment, affordable healthcare, higher wages, affordable housing, broadband expansion and access to substance abuse treatment.

With a background in social work, the needs of vulnerable North Carolinians have always been at the heart of Kim Hardy's work. An assistant professor at Fayetville State university, Hardy beat out incumbent Elmer Floyd for House District 43 in the March 2020 primaries. Now up for the general election in November, Hardy would be a new voice of wisdom and compassion for Cumberland County in the years to come.

Although she was recently elected to office earlier this year, Vernetta Alston has been heavily involved in law and policy work for over eight years, She began her career as a staff attorney for the Racial Justice Act Studies before serving as a member of the Durham City Council for the past two years. Now, as Member of the House, she wants to fight for progressive change that will impact Durham and serve the best interests of everyone in North Carolina.

As the former Commissioner of Insurance for North Carolina from 2009 to 2016, Wayne comes to this race with a host of experience. In the past, Wayne has stood up for consumers against insurance companies and, as the current Chairperson of the NC Democratic Party, has an extensive history of leadership within the political realms of this state. His priorities include expanding Medicaid, fighting insurance fraud and holding insurance companies accountable.

Kathy Manning is running to represent the Triad in Congress. As a local leader in Greensboro with extensive community involvement, she knows the importance of equality and equity in the political arena. And as someone who has experienced the injustices of the healthcare system firsthand, she also knows the importance of healthcare reform. Her priorities include economic opportunity, affordable healthcare and education. She’s endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, NARAL, and the Sierra Club among many others.

Sen. Peterson was elected in 2018, after serving as mayor of Wilmington. He has extensive community involvement, including with Cape Fear Riverwatch, the Affordable Housing Task Force, and the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission. In all roles he’s been a strong advocate for social justice. His priorities include water quality, education, and economic opportunity and justice.

Whit Davis is a Winston-Salem native who is running for District Court Judge for Forsyth County. He has served as a public defender and advocate in Winston-Salem, as well as advocating against child abuse. As an out candidate, he’ll be sure to rule from the bench with a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ issues.

Josh Stein is running for Attorney General after having served a successful term since 2017. He has been a steadfast advocate for justice and previously served as a member of the North Carolina Senate representing District 16. His priorities include public safety, consumer protection, environmental protection and public health.

Jessica Holmes has spent most of her professional career as an advocate for workers as a labor and employment attorney. She has also served on the Wake County Commission where she worked hard to create opportunities for our most vulnerable citizens. She has a track record of supporting job creation as a county commissioner and attracting businesses with a diverse pool of talent.

Originally from rural Georgia, Cynthia Wallace now calls Charlotte home. She's running against Dan Bishop, the architect of HB2, and a crusader against LGBTQ rights. She has served as the Democratic Party chair for the 9th district since 2017. Thanks to her personal experiences, she has a rich understanding of the issues facing both rural and urban communities. Her priorities include infrastructure, healthcare, equal pay, and education. She’s been endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus, Indivisible NC District 9, and Higher Heights for America PAC. She’s a strong advocate for fair, responsible government.

Roy Cooper is running for a second term as Governor of North Carolina, where he’s been an excellent advocate for equality. As Governor, he passed the first ban on state funding for conversion therapy in the South and has been a vocal supporter for Medicaid expansion. Additionally, Governor Cooper has pushed relentlessly for fairer budgets and districts in North Carolina, providing a strong counterweight for equitable policies against a sometimes unfriendly General Assembly. He also held the first-ever Pride Month Celebration at the Governor's Mansion in 2019. We know he’ll be there for us.

Jenna Wadsworth is an openly bisexual woman who, if elected, would become the first out LGBTQ Constitutional Officer in the state. She made history at the age of 21 with her election to a four-year term by becoming the youngest woman ever elected to public office in North Carolina. Her key issues include farmland preservation, environmental education in schools, climate change, fuel safety, immigrant rights, and rural healthcare investments. She believes in supporting rural solar lenses and medicare for all.

Jen Mangrum is a lifelong educator running for State Schools Superintendent. She has devoted her life to making schools safer, better places for all kinds of children to learn and flourish. Her priorities include providing a strong foundation for all schools, expanding equity, creating a safe and healthy school environment, and valuing our teachers.

DeAndrea Salvador is our candidate for NC Senate District 39. She is a leader in the field of renewable energy and environmental protection and was named a TED Fellow in 2018. Salvador’s priorities include economic growth and justice, infrastructure improvement, education, and healthcare access.

A member of the North Carolina State Senate, Sam Searcy assumed office on January 1, 2019. He is a husband, father of four, and proud CEO of Clinistart.com. Sam is fighting for a better North Carolina for everyone, which includes expanding Medicaid, funding public schools, and building an economy that benefits workers and small businesses. He’s been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, and the North Carolina Association of Educators, among many others.

Ronnie Chatterji is an economist and professor of business and public policy at Duke University who is running for state treasurer. A former advisor to President Obama, Ronnie Chatterji brings to the role a host of experience and wisdom in economics and budgeting. As he often likes to say, Ronnie is the nerd we need! He has a strong record of leadership, including membership on the NC First Commission, Governor Cooper’s Entrepreneurial Council, and the board of Communities in Schools. His priorities include economic growth, creating jobs, and making a more inclusive economy for North Carolina. We know he’ll make NC proud as Treasurer.

A Pitt County native, Brian Farkas is a graduate of J.H. Rose High School and currently works in the area at his architectural firm. He is a local leader in the Greenville area, with involvement in many important causes, including the Greenville Public Transportation and Parking Commission, the Greenville-ENC Alliance, and the Young Professionals of Pitt County. His priorities include education, healthcare, economic opportunity, criminal justice, environmental protection, and corruption. He’ll be a strong ally in the General Assembly, as he’s been endorsed by many other organizations and individuals; some include the Human Rights Campaign, End Citizens United, and President Barack Obama.

Born and raised in Smithfield, NC, Allen Wellons has made a career as a family farm manager and practicing law. For six years he served in the North Carolina Senate where he supported public education, workforce training, and agriculture policies that helped boost exports and strengthen North Carolina farm communities. He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and holds a Juris Doctorate from NC Central University School of Law. His priorities include investing in our public schools, expanding workforce training programs, and recruiting new high-wage jobs.

Combining her passion for education and leadership, Aimy Steele most recently spent her days as an elementary school principal in Concord, North Carolina. She is passionate about public education and working with children. Her experience in the day-to-day operations of public schools has allowed her to gain a hands-on understanding of the issues and challenges existing in the local school system. Aimy is an advocate for public education including free preschool for all children ages 3-4 and education that ensures opportunities for high-skill jobs in an increasingly competitive workforce.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in politics and economics and a Master’s in economics, Nicole Quick went to work in Greensboro, NC, managing a $40 million business segment of Guilford Mills. There, she was responsible for all forecasting and budgeting and for planning and scheduling production. During this time, she also led and managed domestic and international sales forces for Guilford’s furniture and home fashions businesses. Later in life, Nicole went on to lead teacher instruction and workshops focused on working with children with autism in inclusive classrooms.

Senator Kirk deViere defeated incumbent Republican Wesley Meredith in 2018. As Senator, he has made listening and reaching out to his constituents central, and we know he’ll continue to listen to us in Raleigh. His priorities include affordable housing, education, Medicaid expansion, protecting water quality, economic development, and nondiscrimination.

As a former educator and retired Army Colonel, Marcia Morgan spent most of her adult life caring for people in one form or another. She served two tours at the Pentagon where she learned first-hand how to make difficult decisions at high profile levels. From the Army she learned how to stand strong through tough times, to care for her soldiers, and to prioritize scarce resources. It also taught her the importance of working together as a team to accomplish the mission at hand.

Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is running for reelection as a Buncombe County commissioner. As the Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality and as an out elected, she has an excellent understanding of the political issues facing her community. Her priorities include education, ending the opioid epidemic, housing, and transit, among others.

Moe Davis is a former U.S. Air Force Colonel and prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay, who resigned in protest in 2007 due to the use of torture in interrogations and political pressure. Davis is running in North Carolina’s 11th district -- the seat formerly occupied by Mark Meadows. His record in standing up to injustice will serve him well in Congress. His priorities include healthcare, jobs, education, and the environment.

Cecil Brockman is a community leader and state representative for High Point in the General Assembly. As an out, bisexual member of the General Assembly, Rep. Brockman has been a powerful advocate for our communities. His priorities include the economy, education, healthcare, and social progress.

Wendy Ella May is a military veteran, member of the clergy, and second vice-chair of the Progressive Democrats of North Carolina, as well as a community leader in Johnston County. In 2018, she ran for Congress, making her the first transgender woman to run for Congress in our state. Her priorities include economic mobility, education, equality and equity, environmental justice, gun violence prevention, reproductive freedom, food insecurity, and accountability.

Michael Garrett has been a state senator since 2019, after winning in the 2018 election. In that short time, he’s distinguished himself as a strong advocate for equality and leader within the halls of power. His priorities include education, healthcare, the economy, and the environment. He’ll do us proud again in the General Assembly.

A proud Raleigh native, Allison Dahle wants to keep students safe and show educators the respect they deserve. She received her BA in Theatre and Speech from the University of South Carolina and has served on various boards and associations over the years. Additionally, she has taken on voluntary roles, including President of Carolina Designers Craftsman Guild, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Mothers Demand Action, ARC of North Carolina, Young Adult Institute, Planned Parenthood and the Women’s March.

Frances has an extensive career in state and local government. After college, she served 11 years as a transportation and community planner at the Cumberland County planning department and then taught high school Civics and Economics at Hoke County High School. Dr. Jackson has served on several local boards and has a platform that is focused on people, jobs, education, and the environment

After obtaining her B.A. from North Carolina State University, Sarah Crawford has since dedicated her career to serving the people of Wake and Franklin Counties through her work in nonprofits. She currently serves at Single Stop, helping families by connecting them to existing resources that help put them on a path to economic stability and prosperity. She's also has been active in her local community by serving on the Board of Directors at Safe Space in Louisburg, working to reduce relationship violence and sexual assault in Franklin County.