Longtime advocate and community leader Cameron Pruette is bringing years of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, mental health awareness and Democratic Party organizing as he vies for candidate for first vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Pruette, who serves as executive director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, has spent much of his career working to expand opportunities and representation for marginalized communities across North Carolina. His campaign emphasizes coalition building, grassroots engagement and strengthening Democratic leadership at a time when the party faces significant political challenges statewide.
Over the years, Pruette has built a reputation as an organizer and advocate focused on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ equality to mental health awareness and social justice. Supporters point to his extensive record of public service and political involvement, including serving as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, membership on the Human Rights Campaign North Carolina Board of Governors and previous service as second vice chair of North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District Democratic organization.
Pruette has also received recognition for his advocacy efforts, including the Mental Health America of Central Carolinas Advocacy Award, highlighting his commitment to expanding conversations around mental health and ensuring communities have access to support and resources.
Pruette said his vision for the party centers on bringing people together around shared goals and values.
“Our future relies on all of us,” Pruette offered.
That message of collective action and inclusion has become a central theme of his campaign. Pruette argues that Democrats can build a stronger future by engaging a broad coalition of voters, community leaders and grassroots activists throughout the state.
From his campaign materials: “Whether advocating for LGBTQ+ communities, championing mental health, or helping shape the future of Democratic leadership in North Carolina, Cameron’s work reflects a belief that progress happens when people are willing to organize, speak up, and build power together.”
As executive director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, Pruette has worked closely with communities that have historically faced barriers to representation and access. The organization has been involved in efforts focused on health equity, civic engagement and advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the region.
Pruette’s supporters say his combination of nonprofit leadership, advocacy experience and Democratic Party involvement makes him uniquely positioned to help strengthen the party’s outreach efforts and expand engagement with voters across North Carolina.
The race for first vice chair comes as Democrats continue working to energize supporters and build momentum ahead of future election cycles.
For Pruette, the campaign represents an opportunity to continue the advocacy work that has defined much of his career while helping shape the party’s direction moving forward.
With a platform centered on inclusion, collaboration and grassroots organizing, Pruette says the future depends on the people of North Carolina working together to create lasting change and ensure every voice has a place in the conversation.
For more details on Cameron Pruette’s campaign, check out his website at https://www.cameronpruette.com/. For more information about the North Carolina Democratic party, visit their website at https://www.ncdp.org/.
