Candidates for BCDP Party Office

Chair

Born and raised in Madison County, I come from a long line of lifetime Democrats. I know my grandmother Latrelle, who was a teacher and active member in the party all her life, is smiling down on me—proud of the work her granddaughter is doing for the Democratic Party. 

In 2018, I joined the College Democrats of NC and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve had the honor of holding the positions of Vice President of the Young Democrats of NC, 2nd Vice Chair for NC11, and President of the Buncombe County YDs, just to name a few. 

I have had the honor of serving as BCDP’s Chair since being elected in February (and Interim Chair before that). I served as 1st Vice Chair since October of 2023, and am proud to be running again to continue the work I have begun for the Buncombe Democratic Party.

I am currently the youngest female Chair in the state. My experience working as an organizer has taught me that we must continue to fight for what we believe in, no matter the cost.

We have a long road ahead of us in Buncombe County and we will work together for a better future. I hope to earn your vote on April 26th!

First Vice Chair

My name is Ed Kramer and I am running to remain 1st Vice Chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party. 

My wife and I moved to Montreat from Pittsburgh, Pa. in 2016. I volunteered for the party when I arrived and in 2022 I became Precinct Chair of 36.1. Over the last two years our precinct has held regular monthly precinct meetings at my home along with holding successful fundraisers for local democratic candidates.

Our precinct has over 80 active precinct members who have participated in canvassing, phone banking, yard sign placement, post card writing and have contributed over $10,000.00 to local democratic candidates. I personally chaired the early voting effort this past election at the Black Mountain Library covering all 17 days and 150 hours of voting with volunteers. We had over 10,000 voters at the library and everyone of the voters were offered the democratic slate card.

I am seeking to continue as First Vice Chair of the Buncombe County Democratic Party. I know the main responsibility of this position is working with our cluster leaders and precinct chairs and helping to build and prepare for upcoming elections

I have 3 goals: 1. Get out the Vote 2. Get out the Vote  3. Get out the vote

We will do this through increased education and programing options for the clusters and precincts and establishing improved collaboration and communication amongst ourselves.

Second Vice Chair, Training

Bridget Ferguson grew up in Canton, NC and is a seasoned training professional with over eight years of experience in Training and Information Systems & Technology (IS&T). Known for her outgoing personality, determination, and strong leadership, Bridget thrives in environments where innovation and collaboration are key. She has a proven track record of implementing new ideas and guiding teams to success through teamwork and dedication.

From the time she began working at the age of 15, Bridget has consistently gravitated toward training roles, naturally stepping into positions where she could support and mentor others. This lifelong passion for helping others grow has shaped her career and leadership style.

Bridget brings a unique perspective to the board, shaped not only by her professional experience but also by her broader life experiences. She is committed to making a positive impact in her community by encouraging civic engagement and educating others about the importance of voting. She is especially passionate about fostering diversity among volunteers and leaders within local precincts.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Bridget is a devoted mother of four and a supportive wife. In her free time, she enjoys music, crime shows and documentaries, and cheering on her favorite basketball team—Go Heat!

Third Vice Chair, Communications

The Third Vice Chair’s responsibilities include managing Communications for the Buncombe County Democratic Party. Terri Cude has more than 30 years of professional experience in this field. She spent her career in advertising, marketing, website development and trade show displays with a focus on creating integrated marketing campaigns. She currently works on the Public Relations team for the National Dog Show television broadcast on NBC every Thanksgiving.

A lifelong Democrat, Terri became an elected official in New York City after a competitive race, beating a 10-year incumbent. She was a Community Board Chair as well as the Communications Chair for a Democratic club.

Terri found a home here in Asheville in 2017. She greatly enjoys collaborating with the Dems of her local precinct and cluster, as well as county-wide as the current BCDP Communications Vice Chair.

Terri enjoys working with the BCDP, candidates and elected officials towards our shared goals. These include protecting the quality of life in Buncombe and beyond by preserving our environment, supporting excellence in public education, reducing gun violence, increasing equity, and protecting reproductive, voting, and LGBTQ+ rights and the needs of marginalized communities.

Secretary

Dana grew up in the small town of Wendell, North Carolina, just outside of Raleigh, NC. Raised by lifelong Democrats who instilled in her a deep sense of civic duty and community involvement, she developed a passion for politics at an early age. Some of her earliest memories include helping her father, a Wake County deputy, during the Sheriff's elections, and attending the ‘92 inauguration of President Clinton. 

A proud alumna of North Carolina State University (go Wolfpack!), Dana continued to strengthen her ties to community engagement after graduation. She spent a few years living in Nashville, Tennessee, where she volunteered with Planned Parenthood events and other local outreach programs. Her time in Nashville reinforced her belief that grassroots efforts and local activism are essential for meaningful change.

After a short stint in Maine, Dana decided to make Asheville her home in January of ‘21. Since October 2022, she has served as BCDP Secretary, bringing her organizational skills, passion for service, and love for her community to the role. She firmly believes that investing time, resources, and energy into the community creates a stronger, healthier, and more connected society, principles she carries with her in all she does.