It’s been a long and difficult election season with numerous disappointments — but also some incredible victories. Equality North Carolina is beyond proud of our 147 endorsed candidates who dedicated their lives to fighting for a more just and equitable North Carolina throughout the course of their campaigns. No matter the result of their race, each of these pro-equality individuals made an immeasurable impact on our state, our lives and our communities.
Seven openly LGBTQ candidates won their races across the state, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. Check them out below, and join us as we move forward from this election cycle into the next phase of fighting for our communities at the local level.
Vernetta Alston
NC House 29
Although she was recently elected to office for the first time earlier this year, Vernetta Alston has been heavily involved in law and policy work for over eight years. She began her career as a staff attorney for the Racial Justice Act Studies before serving as a member of the Durham City Council for the past two years. Now, as a member of the House, she wants to fight for progressive change that will impact Durham and serve the best interests of everyone in North Carolina.
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Buncombe County Commissioner
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara was re-elected as a Buncombe County Commissioner in the Western part of our state. As the executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality and as an Out Elected, she has an excellent understanding of the political issues facing her community. Her priorities include education, ending the opioid epidemic, housing and transit, among others.
Cecil Brockman
NC House 60
Cecil Brockman is a community leader and state representative for High Point in the General Assembly. As an out, bisexual member of the General Assembly, Rep. Brockman has been a powerful advocate for our communities. His priorities include the economy, education, healthcare and social progress.
Deb Butler
NC House 18
Deb Butler rocketed into the national spotlight last year with her viral “We will not yield!” speech on the North Carolina congressional floor. An Out Elected and former board member of Equality North Carolina, Butler is committed to helping build a better North Carolina for all of our communities, having proven time and again that she will show up and show out for us.
Allison Dahle
NC House 11
A proud Raleigh native, Allison Dahle wants to keep students safe and show educators the respect they deserve. She received her BA in Theatre and Speech from the University of South Carolina and has served on various boards and associations over the years. Additionally, she has taken on voluntary roles, including president of Carolina Designers Craftsman Guild, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Mothers Demand Action, ARC of North Carolina, Young Adult Institute, Planned Parenthood and the Women’s March.
Whit Davis
Forsyth County District Court
Whit Davis is a Winston-Salem native who was elected District Court Judge for Forsyth County. He has served as a public defender and advocate in Winston-Salem, as well as advocating against child abuse. As an out candidate, he’ll be sure to rule from the bench with a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ issues.
Marcia Morey
NC House 30
In years past, Marcia Morey was one of a handful of openly LGBTQ legislators in the General Assembly. She’s committed to issues of social justice in her work. Rep. Morey has spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed at reforming North Carolina’s juvenile justice system, including sponsoring a bill that would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 18. She previously served the 14th Judicial District Court as a district court judge for 18 years and as chief District Court judge for five years.
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