Special Redistricting Update from Rep. Lindsey Prather
Good morning fellow Democrats,
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me over the last few days to offer their support following the passage of the new NC House maps.
Truth be told, I expected this from the Republicans. My team and I had been preparing for every potential scenario for this district over the last few weeks.
I know that there have been some mixed messages about how competitive these maps are, so here's the truth: this district is winnable and Democrats can protect it.
As it's currently drawn, we believe it is an R+1. Last year, if you combined precinct results from the four precincts from my previous district, along with Rep. Rudow and Rep. Ager's performance across the sixteen new precincts, we would've only lost this district by one point.
Yes, you read that correctly – in 2022, Buncombe Democrats earned 49% of the vote in the new NC House 116. That's a margin of less than 850 votes.
But here's the other thing, this district is also one of the fastest left-trending districts in the entire state. Think about how fast we're growing and the political implications of that. A few examples:
- In 2016, Clinton received 39.8% of the vote. In 2020, Biden earned 45.2% (+5.4%).
- In 2020, Cooper received 48% of the vote; Stein 47% of the vote.
- In 2022, Justice Ervin received 48.7% of the vote.
Map of 2016 to 2020 Presidential Shift. Source: Dave's Redistricting
I think Buncombe Democrats are fired up and ready for an opportunity to defend a front-line NC House seat, breaking the super majority and securing the veto for our next Governor! I know I'm ready.
I hope you'll stand with me – I'll need your volunteer power in the coming months. But now, please consider making a contribution of any amount to support my re-election campaign.
I'm proud to serve Buncombe in the NC House, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure this seat stays blue.
In this together,
Lindsey Prather
Action Items
It's a busy week in Buncombe as we ramp up to Election Day for the 2023 Municipals (keep scrolling for voting info) and the 2024 candidate filing period. Buncombe's Dem Women and Dem Men affiliate groups are each hosting events this week – join us at both if you can!
Dem Women Political Forum
DWBC is sponsoring the second annual women’s political forum to encourage political engagement at every level. This is for folks who may have considered running for office, working on a campaign, or volunteering, but still have some questions. Our panelists will tell how they became involved and what it means to be an active participant in our Democratic Party. They will be ready to answer your questions and provide insight and advice.
Panelists: Sarah Thornburg, Asheville City Schools Board of Education; Antanette Mosley, Asheville City Council; Kathie Kline, Chair, Buncombe County Democratic Party; and Carlos Linares, Buncombe County Hispanic Outreach Committee.
Dem Men Breakfast
Join the Buncombe Democratic Men for their quarterly breakfast at Buncombe Dems HQ on November 4.
The featured guest will be Rachel Hunt, NC State Senator and candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Doors open at 8 a.m.
2023 Municipals - Early Voting Ends Saturday
Woodfin and Weaverville – polls are OPEN! Go vote early and show up for Democrats in your community who will show up for you.
Don’t forget to check who’s on your ballot and find out who’s running before you head to Buncombe County Elections Services (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday now through Friday, November 3 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4) or the Weaverville Community Center (8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 only).
On Election Day (Tuesday, November 7), polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Find out where to vote on Election Day here.
Need a ride to the polls? Or willing to drive people to the polls? Sign up below.