how democrats break the NCGA supermajority in 2024

As the 2024 election looms on the horizon, the North Carolina Democratic Party stands at a critical juncture. Our goal to break free from the Republican supermajority is a tangible reality within our grasp. We know it can be done. Just look at what Democrats in 2018 did to break the supermajority in both legislative chambers. Our optimism is fueled by the unwavering dedication of all Democrats across our state and by the fact that population growth and demographic change are on our side.

Way too often, legislative seats go uncontested in each election cycle, leaving voters without a choice of who will represent them. But not this year, at least not for the Democrats! As part of our efforts to break the supermajority, Democratic legislators in the NC Senate and NC House spent months recruiting 119 candidates from across the state so that all but one legislative seat has a Democratic candidate. Republicans, on the other hand, recruited only 95 candidates for the NC House, leaving 25 Democrats without opposition in the general election.

And, we know all too well the importance of holding Republicans accountable for what they have done to our state. Over the past year, Republicans have systematically passed laws that have consolidated power in the legislature and removed basic and fundamental rights from our citizens. Within months the Republicans severely restricted abortion, made it more difficult for people to vote, used public tax dollars to fund attendance at private schools even for the children of financially well-off parents, put our wetlands up for sale and redrew legislative maps in an attempt to keep their stronghold over our state for generations to come.

Despite Republican redistricting efforts, we have the unique opportunity to pick up additional legislative seats in Wake, Nash, Chatham, Mecklenburg and New Hanover Counties. However, to break the supermajority we all need to pull together between now and November. 

In the NC House, there are 45 safe Democratic seats, 55 safe Republican seats, and 10 competitive seats, which include three seats that are currently held by Democrats. The House Caucus is working hard to raise over $11 million to ensure that our candidates have a strong ground game to talk with voters and get them to the polls, including a paid canvassing program. Over 70% of the money raised will go to House Caucus Field Operations, which will kick off in July.  Seven staff have already been hired based on funds raised in 2023. 

For 2024, Caucus leaders are in discussion with national donors, the Biden campaign and the Governor. In addition, State Rep. Robert Reives, (D Chatham/Randolph) and House Minority Leader has been appointed to the board of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, giving NC a persuasive voice for funding from that source as well. 

If we energize our canvassing efforts to meet voters where they are, listen to their concerns, and share the hope we have for a state legislature that works on behalf of all North Carolinians, we can turn out thousands of people to vote. Canvassing is more than a political strategy; it's a movement driven by the dedication to our democratic principles. 

Looking ahead to 2030, when our legislative and congressional maps will be redrawn, based on the next Constitutionally mandated census, the mission is clear—create, through collective action, a future that works for every North Carolinian, a future in which women have abortion access, our public schools are fully funded, voters have full access to the ballot box, and we have a thriving economy.

Democracy has never been free, especially for people of color and women. It has been hard fought for generations, and this year is no different. In order to ensure that every North Carolinian has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and prosperous life, we must work to flip the state legislature. We need volunteers to pitch in through phone banking, candidate literature drops and, even postings on social media. Together we can embody the true spirit of democracy and become an unstoppable force for positive change. 

I am dedicated to that mission and I look forward to joining you in making our dream a reality.