Aron Johnson, former Organizing Director for Equality North Carolina and a Democratic Party leader who served as Affiliated Organizations Committee Chair, died unexpectedly on Feb. 4, 2026. He was 30 years old.
The LGBTQ Democrats of Wake County first shared news of Johnson’s passing on Feb. 5, writing, “Saddened to hear of the passing of Aron Johnson, a true activist and advocate in our community.” He was working on a campaign in Colorado at the time of his passing. The post noted that Johnson served as the North Carolina Democratic Party’s Affiliated Organizations Committee Chair and worked with Equality NC, where many saw him staffing booths at Pride festivals across the state last summer.
Equality NC confirmed his death the following day. In a public statement, the organization wrote, “Aron believed in the power of community.” The statement continued, “Those who worked alongside Aron Johnson knew this to be his guiding light. As our Organizing Director at Equality NC, and in every leadership role he held, he didn’t just lead efforts – he built a foundation for justice that will support this movement for years to come.”
The organization added, “While we may not have Aron’s joy and light with us anymore, his impact, passion and legacy will remain in our hearts and minds as we continue the work he believed in. Rest in power, friend.”
Johnson had served as Organizing Director for Equality NC, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. In that role, he led grassroots organizing efforts, represented the organization at Pride festivals and community events and helped coordinate statewide engagement around LGBTQ+ issues and legislation.
Beyond his work with Equality NC, Johnson held significant leadership positions within the North Carolina Democratic Party. He served as Affiliated Organizations Committee Chair, was a member of the State Executive Committee and previously served as a precinct chair in Guilford County. His work connected LGBTQ+ advocacy with broader Democratic organizing efforts across North Carolina.
Johnson also worked on several national campaigns over the course of his career, including Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 campaign and the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign.
Following news of his death, organizations across North Carolina, including the North Carolina Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of North Carolina, issued statements honoring his life and leadership. In those tributes, he was remembered for his “unwavering belief in democracy” and his “heart of gold.”
Details surrounding Johnson’s death have not been publicly released. For many across the state’s LGBTQ+ and Democratic organizing communities, he is remembered first and foremost for his belief in community and the work he helped build.