Press Releases |
Target Race Launch: DLCC Announces Another Slate of Targets in North Carolina
2026 is a historic opportunity to break GOP Senate supermajority and maximize Democratic gains across the General Assembly in this once-in-a-generation environment
WASHINGTON—Today, the DLCC announced three additional Target Races in the North Carolina Senate, where we aim to break the GOP supermajority. Even on heavily gerrymandered maps, North Carolina Democrats broke the Republican House supermajority in 2024, ending unchecked GOP power in the legislature and protecting Governor Josh Stein’s veto. Now we’re ready to shatter the supermajority and flip as many seats as possible in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly.
The DLCC is working directly with the North Carolina House and Senate caucuses to deliver support and resources for data, research, and direct voter contact. Grassroots enthusiasm is undeniable as Democrats have a candidate on the ballot in every legislative district this year. 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift the balance of power across the country, and North Carolina is a top target for the DLCC to build Democratic power. With 41 days until Election Day, the DLCC has the Target Map and strategy to meet this moment.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“North Carolina Republicans have wielded their power to attack reproductive freedom and civil rights, suppress voters, and push the limits of right-wing extremism while ignoring the very real needs of North Carolinians. The tide is turning, and voters are ready to hold the GOP accountable in November. Democrats are fighting for every single seat and we’re ready to shatter the Republican Senate supermajority and flip seats across the North Carolina General Assembly. The DLCC is proud to support Jess Rivera, Jessica Bichler, and Haseeb Fatmi, and we are ready to help them and their fellow candidates to build Democratic power in this critical battleground state during a once-in-a-generation election environment.”
The DLCC’s latest slate of Target Races in the North Carolina Senate is:
- Jess Rivera (SD-4)
- Jessica Bichler (SD-7)
- Haseeb Fatmi (SD-18)
This builds on the slate of Target Races in North Carolina announced earlier this year:
House:
- Dante Pittman (HD-24)
- Curtis McRae (HD-32)
- Evonne Hopkins (HD-35)
- Winn Decker (HD-37)
- Garland Pierce (HD-48)
- Amy Taylor North (HD-74)
- Beth Helfrich (HD-98)
- Ken McCool (HD-105)
- Lindsey Prather (HD-115)
Senate:
- James Gailliard (SD-11)
- April Cook (SD-34)
- Woodson Bradley (SD-42)
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states.