Cameron Pruette has been elected first vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party following a decisive victory during the party’s 2026 State Convention this past weekend.
According to Pruette, he received at least 64 percent of the vote. Official vote totals are expected to be released later this week.
Delegates gathered at Fayetteville State University on Saturday, June 27 for the party’s annual convention, which included both in-person and virtual participation. The meeting brought together Democratic leaders, elected officials and delegates from across North Carolina to conduct party business, including the election to fill the vacant first vice chair position.
Pruette announced his candidacy in May, campaigning on a platform centered on coalition building, grassroots engagement and strengthening Democratic leadership. Throughout the campaign, he emphasized the importance of bringing together communities from across North Carolina while expanding opportunities for voices that are too often overlooked.
Following his election, Pruette said those priorities remain unchanged.
“We need a party that’s building bridges and standing up for our values,” Pruette told Qnotes. “North Carolina has a unique opportunity in the South to lead the way against Trump authoritarianism.”
He said he plans to travel throughout the state, listening to communities and supporting Democratic candidates.
“I’m going to spend my time talking to voters too often overlooked,” Pruette said. “And uplifting our candidates who are ready to meet the moment and fight for us.”
In a message shared after the election, Pruette thanked North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton for her leadership and said he looks forward to serving alongside her. He also thanked fellow candidates Dylan Moore and Nigel Bristow, saying he looks forward to working with them, and expressed appreciation to supporters who helped during his campaign.
Pruette currently serves as executive director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, where he helps lead efforts focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy, health equity and civic engagement. His previous leadership roles include serving as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a member of the Human Rights Campaign North Carolina Board of Governors and second vice chair of North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District Democratic organization.
His election places one of North Carolina’s most prominent LGBTQ+ advocates in a statewide Democratic Party leadership position as the party prepares for the 2026 election cycle. Pruette said the campaign may be over, but the work ahead is just beginning, with plans to continue traveling the state and supporting Democratic candidates and local party organizations.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
