Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 17, marks the most competitive local Democratic primary election in generations. For the first time in recent memory, we have competitive races in the U.S. House (NC-4), the North Carolina State Senate (SD-23), and the North Carolina State House (HD-56), as well as a special election for Carrboro Town Council and a race for the Register of Deeds.

While Mel Kramer has rounded up endorsements from organizations, the fact is that the candidates have, for the most part, very similar platforms.  One interesting tell, though, has been to see which candidates local elected officials have chosen to endorse. Our sources all come from the candidates themselves, so if we’re missing an endorsement, please let us know.

Chapel Hill Town Council Endorsements (9 members)

NC-4
Valerie FousheePam Hemminger, Karen Stegman, Michael Parker, Tai Huynh, Camille Berry, Paris Miller-Foushee

SD-23
Graig Meyer: Pam Hemminger, Karen Stegman, Michael Parker, Tai Huynh

HD-56
Allen Buansi: Karen Stegman, Michael Parker, Tai Huynh, Parish Miller-Foushee, Adam Searing

Carrboro Town Council Endorsements (7 members)

NC-4
Valerie Foushee: Damon Seils, Barbara Foushee
Nida Allam: Sammy Slade, Danny Nowell

SD-23
Graig Meyer: Damon Seils, Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Susan Romaine

HD-56
Allen Buansi: Susan Romaine
Jonah Garson: Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Danny Nowell

Orange County Board of Commissioners Endorsements (7 members)

NC-4
Valerie Foushee: Sally Greene, Amy Fowler, Anna Richards, Jean Hamilton, Jamezetta Bedford, Renee Price

SD-23
Graig Meyer: Earl McKee, Sally Greene

HD-56
Allen Buansi: Sally Greene

In the last municipal election cycle, we helped increase turnout by over 20 percent. We're all volunteers who care deeply about Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and we're working to make Chapel Hill and Carrboro more vibrant, accessible, fun, and sustainable.  Please consider a small donation to help us keep our digital lights on, host events, and hire students to do data deep-dives.

Martin Johnson lives in Chapel Hill. He teaches film studies courses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also a member of NEXT Chapel Hill-Carrboro and the Bicycle Alliance of Chapel...