Today I’m proud to announce my first round of endorsements! I have truly incredible people in my corner — folks who share in my vision for an NCDP that works from the grassroots on up. If you’re in this fight with me, add your name! ⬇️ #ClaytonForCarolina
It’s the honor of a lifetime to have the support of Senator Howard Lee, a civil rights pioneer and the first Black mayor of a majority white town in the South. I’m also honored that former Sen. Ernestine Bazemore and former Rep. Charles Graham are behind me.
They know what it takes to win in North Carolina—and they know what we’ve lost. I’m excited to have the support of freshmen legislators Rep. Ya Liu, Rep. Lindsey Prather, Rep. Charles Smith, and Rep. Kanika Brown who are our party’s voices for the future.
We’re building a diverse coalition for change. I’ve earned the endorsement of over seventy-five elected officials, party officers and community leaders across North Carolina, and that number is growing every day.
You can now see a preview of my endorsements on my website and I’m excited to say that you’ll see many familiar faces—and even more in the coming weeks.
If you’re ready to build a better NCDP, you can endorse me by adding your name on my website!
Folks, let’s dive into what’s happening in Raleigh right now. Yesterday was the first day back in session for the 2023-2024 general assembly, and already the NC House Republicans passed rules allowing for the speaker to call for a vote on Cooper’s veto WITHOUT notice. 🧵
What does this mean? It means that our rights hinge on the power of EVERY single democratic House member being able to make it to the general assembly at a moment’s notice to protect Cooper’s veto of bills banning abortion, divesting in education, and other GOP pursuits.
The @NCGOP isn’t governing in good faith, their only motive is to push their agenda against abortion access and #MooreMess for North Carolinians.
Since Republicans gained seats in the House this year, they’re only ONE vote shy of gaining a supermajority.
hi! I’m a firm believer in knocking every door, but I realize that right now, that could mean putting your own safety at risk! here are a couple of tips I do before knocking a packet of #rural doors:
1. Call through your list first. I realize that many of the reasons you’re probably knocking these doors are because rural voter data #sucks, BUT sometimes you’ll get lucky. It’s a great way to tell someone you’re going to come by, or figure out ahead of time who is HOSTILE.
2. RESPECT no trespassing signs. These are different than “no solicitor” signs. No trespassing folks are likely to meet you at the door with a shot gun. And don’t u dare trying to go around someone’s locked gate. Leave the lit on it! - don’t do something stupid.
This is a great question and something I’m thinking about constantly. De-escalation training for all rural organizers is a must i think. And national campaigns can definitely fork over the $$ to do that. (honestly - every organizer i think could use this!) but also just…
being able to understand the signs / tips from seasoned organizers. I always share my location with someone when I’m canvassing. I tell SOMEONE when I’m going to be on the doors, how long, when I should have service to check in with them, and when they should check in with me
if I haven’t by a certain time. I never let volunteers go out by themselves — and i honestly don’t do it myself now unless I know it’s a route I’ve done before. I also try to call through a list before I knock it. If someone’s gone through a lot of trouble to keep someone out…
Rural organizing story time: I was driving home tonight with my friend Noah in the car with me and we were discussing the number of speeding tickets I’ve gotten. Now, I fully admit — I’ve had a good number lol. I was in the middle of arguing the point of because I’m on the road…
…more organizing in rural places, I’ve had more speeding tickets. And then…that got me me thinking. About the one time I was rural organizing, I was pulled over, but I DIDN’T receive a ticket. And Noah looked at me and he said, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you tell that one.”
So I told him of the time of when a cop didn’t give me a speeding ticket on my way home from a day of field organizing.
Sometimes folks often think i only see the good side of rural organizing! But that’s not always true. Rural organizing is — a lot.
I should add to this and say specifically — rural democrats matter. Don’t forget it y’all.
Also — the Person County Democratic Party is also a member of the chamber of commerce thanks to the very wise and wonderful Tammie Kirkland! Which means we were invited to this + another way of how we’re able to participate in events uptown! I just like saying I’m with Shaina lol
Got the best email from the Neighbor-2-Neighbor Rural Organizing Committee in Orange County! While Orange Co. is known for progressive hubs like Chapel Hill + Carboro, there’s more to that county!
I’m excited to join them tomorrow to discuss #rural organizing in red precincts.🧵
Too often, as a party, we write off rural precincts in urban counties. But in 2022 and beyond, we’re fighting for every vote in every precinct across North Carolina. I need #rural democrats to hear, see, and believe that this is possible and a worthwhile fight in our hometowns.
So I’m excited to share Person County’s message and our little story of hope — because for so long our county party didn’t get involved with local races. In 2021, we changed that. And in 2022 — we do it again.