Stein, Morgan seek Democrats’ support in governor race
OCT. 16, 2023 - Stein, Morgan seek Democrats’ support in governor race - Restoration NewsMedia
Two gubernatorial candidates — Attorney General Josh Stein and former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan — courted Democratic primary voters on Friday as the Wilson County Democratic Party held its annual Fall Fling fundraising dinner at Casita Brewing Co.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton enthusiastically addressed those in attendance before introducing Stein, billed as the keynote speaker. Stein focused his remarks on public education, the opioid crisis and climate change while challenging Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s vision for the state. Robinson is the front-runner in the Republican primary for governor.
“It is on us to defend our home and fight for our people,” Stein said. “That’s what I have been doing as attorney general.”
Morgan said Democrats shouldn’t line up behind the attorney general as Gov. Roy Cooper’s heir apparent, calling for a competition rather than a coronation.
“I want to restore the hopes and dreams of all North Carolinians,” Morgan said. “The fact is, there’s some that are picking winners and losers among us. There’s no need to do that because all of us can rise. The reason we have Democratic primaries is to make sure we choose the Democrat that has the best chance in November. If you want to defeat Mark Robinson, let me be your choice.”
U.S. Rep. Don Davis planned to attend but was summoned to Washington on short notice. Chris Hardee of Davis’ staff filled in for the representative and spoke on his behalf.
Lieutenant governor candidate and current state Sen. Rachel Hunt delivered her campaign speech to a hometown audience that included her parents, former Gov. Jim Hunt and Carolyn Hunt.
“I’m so excited,” Hunt said. “They don’t go many places except Wilson, so it’s great. I’m excited.”
Attending the Fall Fling was more than just a homecoming for Hunt, who said she wanted to get to know Wilson voters better.
“I consider Wilson my home,” Hunt said. “I’m running in a statewide race. Wilson is very important to winning that race. I want people to understand that I understand rural North Carolina. I understand the problems that rural areas face, and I will work every way that I can so that people in places like this have successful lives.”
Wilson City Council and mayoral candidates addressed the Democratic Party faithful, though the municipal contests are officially nonpartisan. Councilwoman Gillettia Morgan and opponent Kahmahl Melo Simmons — one of three challengers for the District 1 seat — spoke before District 4 candidate Devonta Ferguson took to the podium.
Mahalia Witter-Merithew, co-owner of event host Casita Brewing, thanked Democratic Party members for their support in her bid to become Wilson’s mayor and highlighted her nine-point plan for the office.
