But expected loss for a Democratic challenger in Rowan County is no longer a given. Many Rowan Republicans had to publicly campaign for their seats this November. Election year 2028 will bring us more options for true leaders to emerge — along with (fingers crossed) an even savvier electorate paying attention to more than partisan labels, memes and reality TV.

If you do not know the name Cyril Jefferson yet, get ready for a fun time! I am so proud to know, respect and admire my next Congressman. I must congratulate this man and his team for running a beautiful campaign that no one nationally saw coming, but was evident to all who spent 5 minutes in Cyril’s presence over the past year.

What a proud time to be a Rowan County Democrat, where our turnout provided the numbers he (and other friends statewide) needed to achieve victory.

Many of us in the new South will soon see hyper-local change as we elected leaders this week who will take meetings with — and listen to — all of their constituents. I won’t be one of those officials, but I am so grateful for the hope this season inspired not only in me, but in my daughters.

Yes, we in Rowan County live in a superficially stagnant political wasteland. Yes, due to a new rule placing political affiliations beside school board candidates’ names on the ballot, we lost an experienced leader in education and gained — well, that will be determined…

But a contingent of us exists here organizing for big things that will come. Soon. We make choices and take actions every day that ripple. We run seemingly impossible races to build hope in our community for brighter days where our goals no longer seem improbable. And as more in our sphere understand how marginalized voices can be lifted at the ballot box, change can and will take place in this community. Not just within most of our lifetimes, but potentially before our children graduate.

If you want to dive deeper on Rowan’s turnout this election cycle, and how to ramp it up in 2028, here is an event to bookmark. Join organizers from Down Home North Carolina’s local chapter at South Main Book Company next Tuesday (Nov. 10) at 6 p.m. They are hosting a “People’s Wave Celebration,” centering voters over parties to focus on continuing to get great candidates elected across this state every election — not just when glaringly obvious policies negatively impact each aspect of life.

I loved campaigning for county commissioner with assistance from my daughters, knowing my young family could not devote time to any race that would take me out of our home longer than an election cycle. But expected loss for a Democratic challenger in Rowan County is no longer a given. Many Rowan Republicans had to publicly campaign for their seats this November. Election year 2028 will bring us more options for true leaders to emerge — along with (fingers crossed) an even savvier electorate paying attention to more than partisan labels, memes and reality TV.

We Redmond girls are ready for a real, competitive race next time I run; one where the outcome is not my guaranteed return to carpooling kids to the moon and back daily. There is a lot of work to do, and we are ready as a family to get to the next phase of our public service; one where I stop merely highlighting inefficiencies and start taking actions to address them.

Thank you to those of you who believe in me and my crew. It is an honor to be in community with you all. And I do look forward to representing both your concerns and aspirations some day very soon. Rowan County may still be a red dot on the map, but a purple horizon lies ahead for the dreamers, doers and elected officials among us all.