With four Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House District 06 – which includes all of Rowan County – we are looking at an exciting March primary election. The Rowan County Democratic Party (RCDP) will host a formal candidate forum at our January Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 10th, at 10:00 am at RCDP Headquarters, 1504 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. (Doors open at 9:30 am). Please attend to learn more about the candidates running for this important office as Democrats move forward in 2026 to take back the U.S. House and topple the current Republican majority. Retired Catawba History Professor, Dr. Gary Freeze, will moderate.
The U.S. Congressional candidates for our district, in ballot order, are Keith Davenport, Beau Blair, Alysa Kassay and Cyril Jefferson. All candidates will be allotted time to introduce themselves, followed by individual questions from the moderator. If you wish to submit a question for consideration, please email any questions by January 5th to rowandems@protonmail.com. The winner of the March primary will face the current Republican incumbent, who is not facing a primary challenge in the November general election.
Although not participating in this forum, RCDP is excited to announce that we have Democratic candidates for all NC Senate and House Districts that include Rowan County: NC Senate 33, Gary R. Weart; NC House 76, Scott Huffman; NC House 77, Sabrina Harris; and NC House 83, Cortez Ferrell. Three Rowan County Commissioner seats are open and Democrats Hannah Addair, Ray Pope, and Alissa Redmond are running for those offices. For the first year of partisan races for the Rowan Salisbury School Board, the following Democratic candidates have filed: Seat 01 (North) – Chariel Minnette Dye; Seat 02 (South) – Ruth E. Marohn; and Seat 06 (Special) – Alisha Byrd-Clark. Information about all 2026 candidates, including U.S. Senate and NC Judicial races, can be found on the RCDP website https://rowancountydemocrats.com/.
The local RCDP strives to educate voters before they arrive at the ballot box as informed voters are the bedrock of a functional democracy. In addition to the Congressional Forum, local Democrats and supporters will be holding regular canvassing and phone banking events beginning in January with a method called deep canvassing. To win votes in 2026 we must listen carefully to what our neighbors say, not just ask for votes.
RCDP Volunteer Coordinator Joyce Nash is organizing door knocking and phone banking crews and said, “If we’re going to make any progress as a community or a country, then we have to be able to hear each other and have real conversations that go past talking points and headlines. Beyond winning elections next year, we’re aiming to grow in community – and we won’t be able to do it without you.” To learn more and/or to volunteer, visit the events tab on our website.
RCDP monthly breakfasts provide fellowship as well as education about the issues. We ask that those who can, please bring a dish to share and donations are always appreciated. You do not have to be a registered Democrat to attend our events and all are welcome. Be part of the solution in 2026.
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 am, 1504 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.