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Standing Room Only at Henderson County’s NC11 Candidates Forum
It was Standing Room Only for HCDP's JAN 24th NC11 Candidates' Forum. Check out this recap, including a link to a video of this important event. We need a strong candidate for this race to flip the seat and possibly take the US House from MAGA control. Make a plan to vote in the primary and bring your friends and family!
Jan 275 min read


Hendersonville Pride Hosts Largest Picnic Yet, Featuring Community Engagement and Political Participation
Hendersonville Pride's largest-ever Pride Picnic took place on Saturday, June 8, at Jackson Park, drawing an enthusiastic crowd from noon to 5 p.m. This vibrant event saw participation from more than 60 vendors and offered a variety of attractions, including a bounce house, obstacle course, food trucks, live music, and more. The Young Dems of Henderson County and Henderson County Democrats were prominent participants, hosting engaging booths that drew significant attention. T
Jun 10, 20242 min read


Steve Martinez enters race to offer real representation for NC District 117
Running for office was not in Steve Martinez’s plans, but the last few election cycles spurred him to do whatever he could to ensure that Henderson County voters have real representation in Raleigh. “We need to give the people back their voice,” he said. “It’s not a democracy if voters don’t have a choice. It’s not a democracy if a small group of officials makes decisions without transparency. It’s not a democracy if our districts are gerrymandered to the point that a few ext
Apr 14, 20243 min read


Michelle Antalec brings a lifetime of passion to candidacy for NC House District 113
When the call went out for Democrats to contest every seat in North Carolina, Michelle Antalec took up the challenge and is now the candidate for NC House District 113, which includes parts of Henderson, Rutherford and McDowell Counties as well as all of Polk County. "Politics has always been my passion,” Michelle said. “Helping people get involved in democracy and working to ensure that everyone has a voice will always be important to me. One of my earliest memories is goi
Mar 21, 20242 min read


Rhonda Mountain Enters School Board Race as Advocate for Public Education
A deep appreciation for public school teachers, students and staff prompted Rhonda Mountain to enter the race for Henderson County Board of Public Education. “I am deeply committed to supporting our students, empowering our teachers, and appreciating our school support staff,” Rhonda said. “I attended public schools as did my three children, and our experience was one of positivity and family. As we grew to know the teachers and the support staff, we understood the great sacr
Mar 10, 20242 min read


Mar 8, 20240 min read


Mar 3, 20240 min read


Sample Primary Ballot
Get to know the candidates . For more information on voting check out voter resources .
Jan 21, 20241 min read


Mary Ellen Kustin launches new bid for school board with a focus on fairness and excellence in education.
Local Democrat Mary Ellen Kustin has officially entered the race for the Henderson County Board of Public Education with a focus on providing a fair and excellent education for all children in Henderson County Public Schools. Her first time running for office was in 2022 when she lost her race for school board by only 1% of the vote. “I'm in it for the kids—not just my two children who will be in our schools through 2037, but for all kids,” she said. “I’m passionate about
Jan 15, 20243 min read


Josh Stein’s Meet & Greet: NC is Always Worth Fighting For!
The Dec. 14 Meet & Greet for Josh Stein—Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current attorney general–attracted an overflow crowd that enthusiastically echoed his message that now is the time to fight right wing extremism in North Carolina. Stein spoke of his own family’s commitment to a fairer, more prosperous state. “Back in the mid-1960s my father, Adam, moved to Charlotte so he could join Julius Chambers and James Ferguson to form North Carolina’s first integrated law f
Dec 17, 20233 min read


Stein Meet and Greet at HCDP HQ
December 14th, 2023, Josh will be in Hendersonville and he wants to hear from YOU. Join us at the Henderson County Democratic Party...
Dec 13, 20231 min read


Democrat Erik Weber Enters Race for County Commission
On November 6, local Democrat Erik Weber launched his campaign for the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, saying he wants to give voters a real choice on the ballot and bring a forward-looking perspective to county government. “The underlying principles of my campaign are community, conversation and culture,” Erik said. “I believe we as a community are all in it together. That means we must have conversations with each other as we work to preserve our rich and diverse
Nov 20, 20233 min read


RUNNING IS WINNING Part 3: Roll that Snowball
HCDP has now hosted three RUNNING IS WINNING events to inform and encourage people who are either interested in running for office or who want to support candidates who have taken the plunge. The third event, on Friday, Nov. 3, featured Grayson Barnette, a political strategist who has worked with many successful candidates. He recently co-founded Express Lane Strategies, a consulting firm headquartered in rural Appalachia with clients all around the country.
Nov 7, 20232 min read


Sep 25, 20230 min read


Running Is Winning
Democrats often ask, “Why run for office in Henderson County when there’s hardly a chance of winning?” The first answer that comes to...
Jul 29, 20233 min read


Election 2022: How a ‘Rare Trifecta’ Redefines Mountain Values
By Arielle Emmett Amid the fancy retirement homes and country clubs, encampments of homeless and financially strapped public schools,...
Oct 27, 20226 min read


Democratic Women's Luncheon a Huge Success
The tables filled Grand Old Hall in Flat Rock with almost 150 enthusiastic Democrats at the Democratic Women of Henderson County's luncheon on Oct. 12. Applause, shouts, and a standing ovation greeted Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, U. S. Senatorial candidate. She spoke with candor and grace to the crowd about our common goal of protecting democracy in our country by electing Democrats. She was introduced by Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrera, U.S. Congression
Oct 13, 20221 min read


Beach-Ferrara offers solutions and stands with democracy in NC-11 Debate
The choice in this election is clear: a solutions-based approach from a pro-choice candidate looking out for the people of WNC or an anti-choice candidate looking out for the rich! #NC #womensrights #votenc #nc11 #BlueWave #SaveDemocracy #WNC #NCVote #Hendersonville #democracy
Oct 11, 20221 min read


Jay Carey for NC 48
"Jay Carey is a Democrat running for North Carolina's 48th Senate District. As a highly decorated, 20 plus year United States Army combat...
Jul 29, 20221 min read


Get to Know The Candidates: Gale Adams and Carolyn Thompson Video
Meet Gale Adams and Carolyn Thompson, NC Appellate Court Judge Candidates Above is the recording of the zoom event that took place on...
Jul 15, 20221 min read
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