Dec 30, 2024 Story by: Editor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AXIOS) – Mecklenburg County Democrats’ inability to effectively engage Black voters has sparked intense debates within the party, escalating claims of dysfunction and racism, according to interviews conducted by Axios.
Why It Matters
Unresolved divisions could contribute to Democrats losing critical elections in North Carolina, despite having substantial resources and funding.
Of the seven individuals interviewed by Axios, many expressed fears of repeating the disappointing presidential election outcomes in four years.
Context
Mecklenburg County Democrats had hoped to play a pivotal role in helping North Carolina secure a win at the top of the ticket. With the largest population of registered Democrats and Black voters in the state, the county’s voter turnout could significantly impact statewide results.
The party raised $2.7 million—an enormous leap from $152,000 in 2020—hired its first paid staff in ten years, and conducted extensive door-to-door canvassing. Yet, voter turnout on Election Day fell short of 2020 levels. Nearly 13,000 fewer Black voters cast ballots in 2024 compared to the previous presidential election, according to Carolina Tracker.
Following the election, Monifa Drayton, the party’s executive director, resigned, citing racism and hostility as reasons for stepping down.
Allegations of Marginalization
Several Democrats who spoke with Axios allege that the party’s current leadership has amplified long-standing issues of discrimination and suppression. Despite six of the nine party officers being Black, critics argue the leadership has failed to prioritize outreach to predominantly Black precincts and lacks understanding of how to connect with Black voters.
“There has been a disrespect, failure to listen, marginalization of Black Democrats,” said S.Y. Mason-Watson, president of the African American Caucus (AAC) of Mecklenburg County. “When that happens, you are breeding intense feelings that are not for the benefit of the party. People are being turned off. People are disengaging. People are not voting.”
Party Chair Responds
Party chair Drew Kromer, who was elected in 2023, defended the party’s efforts, stating they spent more on boosting Black voter turnout this year than the entire amount raised in 2022.
“We knocked a record number of doors in the Black and brown community,” said Kromer, who is white. “We’re still waiting to see what the efficacy was of those efforts” based on board of elections data.
The party’s investments included opening a volunteer site at the Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary on Beatties Ford Road and paying a vendor $24,000 to canvass Black-occupied apartment complexes. However, the AAC of Mecklenburg County received no funding from the party, further straining their relationship.
Disconnect Between Groups
The AAC and party officers operate as separate entities but rely on collaboration to function effectively. The AAC is tasked with organizing precincts where at least 30% of voters are Black—a critical step for increasing voter turnout.
“Organized precincts have higher voter turnout, no question,” said Tanya Lewis, chair of Precinct 13. But AAC leadership claims they’ve received little support to perform this work, even for basics like providing snacks for volunteer meetings.
AAC president Braxton Becoats, who ran against Kromer for party chair, stated, “If more African American precincts were organized and mobilized, Vice President Harris would have been able to get closer to the number that she needed to win.”
Kromer acknowledged the disconnect and expressed willingness to consider funding requests from the AAC but noted he’s only received minor requests so far.
Broader Implications
The friction has raised concerns about the Democratic Party’s support for Black candidates. Many expressed disappointment over the party recruiting Nicole Sidman instead of backing Yolonda Holmes in the race against Tricia Cotham, who switched to the GOP.
Shamaiye Haynes, a 2023 school board candidate, also highlighted challenges, saying her campaign suffered due to unorganized Black precincts.
“I worked incredibly hard for a long time to earn a seat on the board that I did not get because my own party turned on me 40 days before the election,” said Haynes, referring to being left off the party’s sample ballot.
Historical Challenges
Low voter turnout has long plagued Mecklenburg County. This year, under Kromer’s leadership, there were successes, including flipping the Huntersville town government from red to blue. However, critics argue that this strategy is not suited for Charlotte’s low-income and racially diverse areas.
National Trends
North Carolina saw Black voter turnout lag across the state during early voting. Nationally, the Democratic Party is losing support from Black male voters, who feel disconnected from Democratic policies and disillusioned by economic struggles.
Tony Forman, a Democratic state executive committee member, noted this shift. “Many young Black and Latino men voted for Trump because of misinformation or because they believe he supports HBCUs and is responsible for stimulus checks.”
Kromer believes the local party made some progress, citing Democrat Allison Riggs’ win in the North Carolina Supreme Court race and breaking the GOP’s legislative supermajority. “These problems have been here long before me,” he said, adding, “It requires everyone to get on the same page.” Source: WBTV
