Unified coalition of Black PACs endorse Stein, NC Dems in closely watched elections

State Auditor Jessica Holmes speaks at a Wednesday press conference as four Black political action committees offer their endorsement of Holmes and other Democrats. (Photo: Ahmed Jallow)

Four leading Black political action committees (PACs) in North Carolina came together Wednesday to endorse candidates for the 2024 elections, including the presidential, gubernatorial and other statewide races, marking the first time these groups have collectively endorsed candidates.

The announcement was made at a press conference in front of the North Carolina Legislative Building in Raleigh.

“The candidates we are endorsing today have demonstrated time and again, the dedication to the issues that affect us all, issues that are critical to ensuring that every North Carolinian, regardless of their race or background has the opportunity to be successful,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston who leads Greensboro’s George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC.

The coalition includes the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, the George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC of Guilford County, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, and the Bladen Improvement Association. The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is also involved and plans to announce its endorsements later.

“This is the first time that we have ever come together as a united coalition of PACs across the state of North Carolina, but we have the same strategy — that is to get out the vote, to make people know who they are voting for, and to make sure that we have representatives at the polls,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston, who leads Greensboro’s Simkins Memorial PAC.

Alston said the groups will mobilize their resources to support the candidates through voter registration drives, door-to-door canvassing, voter training sessions, and provide transportation to the polls. “These activities are aimed at ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in this critical election and have information to candidates who best represent their voices,” he said.

The groups are backing only Democrats, including Josh Stein for governor; Justice Allison Riggs, who is seeking to retain her seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court; Jessica Holmes, the current Democratic state auditor; and several other candidates running for statewide office.

Asked by reporters if the groups considered endorsing Republican Mark Robinson, who would be the state’s first Black governor if elected, Steve Bowden of the Simkins Memorial PAC said, “We hope the united front of this PAC demonstrates to our Black community where the leadership they’ve relied on for so many years stands on this issue. We have endorsed Josh Stein for governor.”

Speaking at a press conference, Stein highlighted the longstanding commitment of these organizations to improving the lives of Black North Carolinians.

“These organizations that we’ve just heard have spent decades loving North Carolina, even when that love was not reciprocated,” Stein said.  “They’ve been working to improve the lives of black North Carolinians and bringing us closer to fulfilling the promise of North Carolina, which is that if you work hard, where you come from, should never limit how far you can go.”

During her speech, Holmes compared her treatment to that of Kamala Harris, the first African American and Asian woman running for president, noting that both have faced similar doubts about their qualifications for the positions they are seeking.

“I am here because I’m qualified. I am here because I earned it. I am here because I have integrity,” Holmes said.

Beth Wood, the longtime Democratic state auditor who resigned in December following a grand jury indictment for misusing a state-issued car, is backing Republican David Boliek in the upcoming auditor’s race. She has criticized Holmes, saying Holmes does not have a “clue” about the office.

Holmes, who was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to replace Wood, responded to this criticism in her speech.“I would say the difference between the people standing behind me and their opponents is the word integrity,” Holmes said. “One thing that taxpayers of North Carolina do not have to worry about is me misusing state assets or betraying the public’s trust for selfish gain.”