Contest Every Race has expanded its rural grants and candidate recruitment project to North Carolina, a “swing state” key to Biden’s re-election strategy. This program launches as the North Carolina Democratic Party has made it a priority to focus on rural counties and to ensure Democrats are competing in every single race.
In North Carolina, Contest Every Race is currently working with organizations in the following counties, chosen because of their high potential to increase votes for Democrats and help flip NC blue in November:
Program leaders intend to expand this program to additional counties in April 2024.
In addition to local organizing support, Contest Every Race announced initial results today from a statewide candidate recruitment campaign aimed at getting Democrats to compete in more local races across the state. The project identified 4,237 Democrats interested in running for office. Evidence continues to build that having more Democrats running locally boosts Democratic turnout and enthusiasm, which can translate to increased votes for Democratic candidates at the top of the ballot.
"We've very grateful for Contest Every Race's support in North Carolina. They've provided us with fantastic candidates to run for local office in places where we had trouble filling seats. Contest Every Race is a valuable partner to us in supporting rural organizing and making sure we're running a Democrat in every single election across this state." -Anderson Clayton, Chair, North Carolina Democratic Party
“We started the program because we know that progressive and Democratic activists outside of urban areas are in need of connection, money and support to increase their effectiveness in building power in rural areas. As the scope of our program expands in North Carolina, Contest Every Race will provide parties and candidates information, tools, and organized volunteers that we believe will help Democrats win in 2024,” - Lauren Gepford, Director, Contest Every Race
"Contest Every Race grabbed us by the scruff of our neck and hauled us a few rungs up the ladder, we're meeting new people, organizing new people, and it finally feels like we're not alone. We're so grateful for Contest Every Race and their support - the texting for candidate recruitment has been a game changer for us. When we go blue, the state goes blue. With Contest Every Race, we're going to get it done" -Branch Richter, Avery County, NC Dems
Rockingham County, NC Democratic Party holding a training for local candidates running for office!
Nash County Dems collected donations of hundreds of winter coats for local middle and high school students in need! Contest Every Race facilitated 12 service events led by Democratic county organizations in Dec 2023.
For more information, contact: Daniel Jubelirer, daniel@movementlabs.com, 919-619-5795
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