Edgecombe County Democratic Party holds campaign office grand opening

The Edgecombe County Democratic Party held a grand opening ceremony Friday for its new office on 420 Main Street in Tarboro. Edgecombe County residents, as well as elected officials and candidates, joined the ceremony, which kicked off at noon.

“The establishment of a headquarters is a major accomplishment for us,” said Alfreda Perkins, the chair for the Edgecombe County Democratic Party. “We’re here to show people that our votes matter, and we wanted to have a headquarters that could be a resource for people.”

Among the attendees of the ceremony were N.C. Sen. Kandie Smith, D-5th District; the Rev. Raymond Privott, an Edgecombe County Board of Education member; and Evelyn Powell, an Edgecombe County commissioner. Matthew Sperati, a candidate to be an N.C. District Court judge, and N.C. Rep. Wesley Harris, who is running for N.C. treasurer were also in attendance.

“I see the headquarters as a place of gathering and unity,” said Smith, who represents Pitt and Edgecombe counties. “The Edgecombe County Democrats worked hard to build this facility, and I am glad that they achieved this goal.”

The Edgecombe County Democratic Party offered refreshments at the grand opening event. Some of the candidates who could not physically attend the ceremony sent videos celebrating the opening of an office location, which were played during the candidates’ speeches.

During the ceremony, candidates and elected officials were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and share information about legislation, policies and campaign priorities. Candidates discussed inflation, the economy’s impact on agriculture and infrastructure and Project 2025, which is a massive proposed overhaul of the federal government drafted by longtime allies and former officials in the Trump administration that former President Donald Trump has said he knows “nothing” of.

Attendees were able to ask candidates and elected officials questions and speak with them after the event.

Sperati said the Democratic Party having a campaign office in Edgecombe County presents a “wonderful opportunity for the community to gather and plan out their events and outreach efforts.”

Streamlining the party’s efforts to organize and pool resources to reach voters will be easier with a local headquarters, Sperati noted.

The Edgecombe County Democratic Party has a Facebook page that community members can follow for the latest updates about office hours, upcoming events and information about political candidates and voting information.