Black PACs Unite to Endorse Democrats in NC

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

In a historic move, four of North Carolina’s leading Black political action committees (PACs) have come together to endorse candidates for the 2024 elections.

This unprecedented coalition, comprising the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, the George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC of Guilford County, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, and the Bladen Improvement Association, represents a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday in front of the North Carolina Legislative Building in Raleigh. Melvin “Skip” Alston, leader of the George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC, emphasized the coalition’s dedication to issues impacting all North Carolinians.

“The candidates we are endorsing today have demonstrated time and again, the dedication to the issues that affect us all, issues that are critical to ensuring that every North Carolinian, regardless of their race or background has the opportunity to be successful,” Alston said.

The PACs have exclusively endorsed Democratic candidates, including Josh Stein for governor, Justice Allison Riggs for the North Carolina Supreme Court, Jessica Holmes for state auditor, and several other candidates for statewide offices. This decision to support Democrats over Republicans, such as Mark Robinson, who is running to become the state’s first Black governor, underscores the coalition’s strategic focus.

Steve Bowden of the Simkins Memorial PAC clarified the coalition’s position: “We hope that the united front of this PAC demonstrates to our Black community where the leadership they’ve relied on for so many years stands on this issue.”

The PACs plan to leverage their resources through a comprehensive strategy, including voter registration drives, door-to-door canvassing, voter training sessions, and poll transportation. Alston highlighted these efforts as vital to ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the election and has access to information about the candidates who best represent their interests.

The coalition’s support extends beyond gubernatorial and judicial races. They have also endorsed all Democratic candidates running for Council of State positions and Kamala Harris for president. They focus on candidates with proven advocacy records for African American communities and other marginalized groups.

Josh Stein, who spoke at the press conference, expressed his gratitude for the PACs’ support.

“These organizations that we’ve just heard from have spent decades loving North Carolina, even when that love was not reciprocated,” Stein said. “They’ve been working to improve the lives of Black North Carolinians and bringing us closer to fulfilling the promise of North Carolina.”

Jessica Holmes, who is seeking to retain her position as state auditor, responded to criticisms from her opponent, Republican David Boliek, and former auditor Beth Wood. Holmes stressed her commitment to integrity and public trust.

“I would say the difference between the people standing behind me and their opponents is the word integrity,” Holmes said. “One thing that taxpayers of North Carolina do not have to worry about is me misusing state assets or betraying the public’s trust for selfish gain.”

The PACs’ collective endorsement signifies a unified approach to addressing the challenges facing the Black community in North Carolina.

“These activities are aimed at ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in this critical election and have information to candidates who best represent their voices,” Alston said.

Other races where candidates were endorsed include Jeff Jackson for attorney general, Rachel Hunt for lieutenant governor, Sarah Taber for agriculture commissioner, Natasha Marcus for insurance commissioner, Braxton Winston II for labor commissioner, Mo Green for state superintendent, Wesley Hill for state treasurer, and Carolyn Thompson and Martin Moore for appellate court seats.

The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is also involved but will announce its endorsements separately.

As the election approaches, with early voting beginning on October 17 and Election Day on November 5, the PACs’ grassroots efforts will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Current polling averages show Josh Stein leading Mark Robinson for the governor’s mansion by approximately 7 points, while Donald Trump is narrowly leading Kamala Harris for president by less than 1 percent.

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