By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
In the world of North Carolina politics, Senator Natalie Murdock is proving that authenticity is the ultimate political currency. As the first Black woman under 40 to serve in our state Senate, Murdock isn’t just filing bills; she’s building a brand rooted in the culture and the real-life struggles of her constituents. During a recent conversation, Murdock drew a thoughtful parallel between the halls of power and the entertainment industry. "Politics and the music industry have a lot of similarities," she noted. When asked what she would title her political discography, her answers sounded like chart-toppers: Freshman Album: Coming in Hot, Sophomore Album: We Back Y’all, and the Third Installment: Here to Stay!
"You are a brand," Senator Murdock explained. "In this social media era, you are a product that people either buy into or they don't. I look at my presentation as the 'full package,' marketing the values, the bills, and the logo to show people what you stand for."
One of Murdock's most headline-grabbing moves was the "North Carolina Raise Up" bill. Inspired by an episode of Unsung and a deep love for hip-hop during the 50th Anniversary year, the bill sought to make Petey Pablo’s "Raise Up" the official state hip-hop song. But for Murdock, it was about more than a catchy hook. The bill included "whereas" clauses honoring North Carolina legends like J. Cole, Rapsody, and Little Brother. "I wanted to show the people who honestly couldn't care less about what we’re doing in the General Assembly to say, 'Wait a minute, somebody in Raleigh gets it. They see me.'"
Beyond the culture, Murdock is tackling systemic inequities with surgical precision. She has been a fierce champion for the CROWN Act, aiming to end hair discrimination, and has secured $5,000 grants for menstrual products in public schools—a program so vital that the funds were depleted within a single week.
Perhaps her most emotional work lies in the Black Maternal Health Momnibus. With Black women 3 to 4 times more likely to die from childbirth-related causes than white women, Murdock refuses to let these statistics remain numbers on a page. When asked about how emotional it can be to hear these stories from constituents, Senator Murdock suggested, "I think you should be emotional," Murdock said, reflecting on the heart-wrenching stories of near-death experiences and miscarriages shared by her constituents. "Instead of allowing that emotion to control you, you allow it to move you. You channel it into motivation."
Whether she’s working with Senator Lisa Grafstein to streamline DMV renewals so working people don't get "swept up in the legal system" or fighting for environmental justice, Murdock’s philosophy remains consistent: Visibility. "My philosophy is about seeing people and lifting them up," she concluded. "Whether it’s the CROWN Act or renewing licenses, it’s worth putting the bills out there to drive the conversation." With her "sophomore album" in full swing, Natalie Murdock is making it clear: she isn't just occupying a seat; she’s changing the frequency of North Carolina politics.
