October 24, 2021
Congressional Candidates and Redistricting
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Eric Gash
Jay Carey
Bo Hess
Katie Dean
Josh Remillard
Right now there are six Dems running to replace Madison Cawthorn in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Click on each photo above for the candidates' websites.) Although we cannot endorse a candidate during the primary, there are several excellent ones to choose from.

The deadline for the state legislature to complete the process of redistricting following last year's consensus is November 5, and because the legislature is under GOP control, we're expecting the usual partisan gerrymandering designed to help them and hurt us.

Once the districts are set, we'll have a better idea of exactly where Polk lies within the new districts.

According to a news story from spectrumlocalnews.com, the main points to know right now are:

  • The legislature hopes to pass the maps through both chambers by Nov. 5, a month ahead of the filing deadline for the 2022 primaries.
  • Legislators have shown no indication that they would delay the March primary to give more time for public input on the maps, as some advocates had hoped.
  • North Carolina's redistricting process has led to lengthy legal battles numerous times, and lawsuits are likely again with this new set of maps.

Stay tuned for the process to heat up soon!

~Andy
Fall Fundraising Time - PLEASE GIVE!
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Even though we've been in a lull due to the pandemic and the fact that it's an off-year for elections, we still have expenses and need to ask you for support twice a year. Thanks to the generosity of many local Dems, we met our spring fundraising goal, and now we need you to help us again. Please click here to contribute to your county party; it will help us maintain a strong financial position and fight off the rise of authoritarianism, both here in Polk County and across the nation.
Municipal Elections November 2
All three Polk County towns will hold elections for mayor and town council on Tuesday, November 2. We strongly urge you to vote if you live in one of these towns. Turnout is usually abysmally low in these elections, and it's important that you make your voice heard. Here is the rundown:

Columbus - Current Mayor Pat McCool (Unaffiliated) is unopposed. All three seats on the town council are up for election; conveniently, there are exactly three candidates. We encourage you particularly to vote for our own Becky Kennedy, who is the only woman (and only Democrat) running.

Tryon - Mayor Alan Peoples is running unopposed, as are incumbents Bill Crowell and Bill Ingham (who is a Democrat).

Saluda - In the only contested race in this cycle, Mayor Fred Baisden is challenged by Tangie Morgan. Town Commissioners Mark Oxtoby and Paul Marion are seeking re-election without opposition. All candidates are Republicans.

NOTE: Of all the candidates in the three towns, only two are Democrats. We can't win if we don't run. Please, please: if you're a Dem in one of these towns, consider running in the next municipal elections in 2023. And consider running for county commissioner in 2022.
A Precinct on the Move
Nolan Just and Chris Reynolds in Cooper Gap Precinct have begun contacting Democrats in the precinct, focusing on those Dems who may not have voted consistently, listening to them, and encouraging them to get more involved. The precinct is the organizing foundation of the party, and this type of work is extremely important. Great work, Cooper Gap!
Hogans Fight For Reproductive Rights
The daughter-mother team of Emily (l) and Susannah Hogan (c) took part in Raleigh's demonstration for women's rights earlier this month. Th Hogan Family walks their talk, and we are proud to claim them!
Coming Events
Democratic Women of Polk County monthly meeting


PCDP Executive Committee monthly meeting
Quote of the Month
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."

- General Colin Powell