Hello friends-
The lay of the land is clear and now it’s up to us to see success in November. Thanks to those all across North Carolina who worked tirelessly to recruit strong candidates, we have Democrats running in all 50 districts. With Senate leader Phil Berger facing a primary challenger, we know that our chances to defend seats and flip more are better than ever. It’s up to us to defend Terence Everitt in District 18, Woodson Bradley in District 42, and Lisa Grafstein in District 13 against Republican challengers. I introduced you to them late last year.
We also recruited strong candidates to flip Districts 7, 11, and 34, and I’d like to take a moment to introduce them today:
District 7: Jessica Bichler, New Hanover County
Jessica Bichler is a longtime small business owner who understands the tough economic conditions facing our business owners on the coast and statewide.
This is an R+1 district that has been competitive for several cycles but was gerrymandered to benefit Republicans.
District 11: James Gailliard, Franklin, Nash, Vance Counties
James Gailliard, a longtime pastor, previously served two terms in the North Carolina House. His legislative work focused on working families and issues like criminal justice reform, educational equity, and promoting economic opportunity.
This is an R+0 district that we nearly flipped last year.
District 34: April Cook, Cabarrus County
April Cook is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lake Norman Community Health Clinic, helping thousands of uninsured people gain access to quality healthcare. Her work centers on representing and advocating for those without health care.
This is an R+2 district that has been rapidly trending towards Democrats.
As Finance chair for the Senate Caucus, my job is to make sure that we have the resources we need to support each one of these candidates. As long as we can run strong campaigns, we should be able to hold and flip these three seats.
Republicans know they’re in trouble this year and at risk of losing their supermajority, but it’s going to take us doing all that we can to make sure that happens. Thank you for all you do to support NC Senate Democrats.
