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Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 2pm

https://www.mobilize.us/forsythcountydems/, https://www.fcdpnc.org/, https://substack.com/@forsythdemsnc

Forsyth County Democratic Party, 723 Coliseum Drive Northwest, S. 201, Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

08/31/2026

Important facts about the amendments on your ballot this fall. Thanks, Andy Bowline!

08/31/2026

Have you ever driven past a rezoning sign, heard about a proposed data center, or watched a new apartment building go up and wondered who gets to say yes?

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is part of that process. They vote on rezoning requests like the recently rejected Rural Hall data center proposal. They also write the county budget and set your property tax rate. District A holds two of those seats, and both are up in November.

Tonya McDaniel and Shai Woodbury have the seats now. Contessa Smith is the third name on the ballot. You'll vote for two.

Today's piece has what all three say they'll do, and what the public record says about them.

Know Before You Vote: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, District A.

Researched & Written by D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe

Read on Substack: https://postly.click/rP_

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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Know Before You Vote: County Commissioners, District A
Who are the candidates & how do they plan to help us?

We can’t choose well what we don’t understand. This month we’re taking a close look at every office on the November 2026 ballot, what the job is, who wants it, and who is funding the campaign.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners’ major responsibilities include adopting the annual County budget, setting the County property tax rate, establishing County policies and acting on zoning and other land use matters. The Board also appoints members of numerous citizen boards, committees, and commissions. (co.forsyth.nc.us/)

DISTRICT A (You will vote for 2 commissioners)
🟦 TONYA MCDANIEL
Incumbent Tonya McDaniel (D) was elected to her first term as County Commissioner in 2018.

According to the County website (see link below):
“During her tenure as county commissioner, Tonya McDaniel has been steadfast in her efforts to promote equity in property tax rates and county funding for the school systems within District A. She diligently oversees the budget to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, reaffirming her love for the community and her unwavering commitment to its advancement.”

McDaniel’s website lists her priorities:
- Services & Infrastructure. Roads, public safety, and essential services for all residents.
- Fiscal Responsibility. Wise use of tax dollars, budget oversight, and transparency.
- Education & Local Schools. Equitable school funding and support for education initiatives.
- Community Engagement & Transparency. Keeping residents informed, engaged, and empowered.

🟦 MALISHAI WOODBURY
Incumbent Malishai “Shai” Woodbury (D) was elected to her first term on the Board of Commissioners in 2022. She is a professor at NC A&T State University in Greensboro.

Woodbury’s website lists four major priorities:
- Funding for public schools. Better-funded schools strengthen neighborhoods, raise property values, improve graduation rates, and attract employers.
- Competitive wages for county employees. When we invest in employees, we improve service delivery, reduce turnover costs, and strengthen public trust.
- Affordable housing. Affordable housing keeps families rooted, supports seniors aging in place, and helps employers retain workers.
- Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and Minority/Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) contracts. Better outreach, improved bid accessibility, and mentorship to foster local economic growth.

🟥 CONTESSA M. SMITH
Contessa M. Smith of Winston-Salem is a registered Republican running for one of the County Commissioner seats in District A. The only information about Smith’s campaign is located on Facebook.

According to a post on Smith’s page:
This is about restoring opportunity through employment — not expanding dependency. We will recruit employers who commit to hiring locally and investing in our workforce.
- Workforce-First Recruitment. Companies receiving county incentives must hire locally and support apprenticeships and second-chance employment.
- Skilled Trade Pipeline. Manufacturing, CDL/logistics, construction, HVAC, electrical, warehousing, healthcare certifications, and law enforcement partnerships.
- Brotherhood to Business. Resume training, financial literacy, credit rebuilding, and fatherhood mentorship through faith and community partnerships.
- Workforce Housing Bridge. Earned access to rental deposit support and home ownership education after completing workforce training.

Sidenote: Smith was arrested in the spring and served a three-month sentence for Contempt of Court. The story was covered by local news outlets. According to a North Carolina Court of Appeals docket updated August 28, 2026, Smith is being held at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center.

💰FOLLOW THE MONEY
McDaniel and Woodbury reported fewer than 50 local individual contributions. They have used money from their personal accounts during this campaign.

Smith’s last campaign information filed with the Forsyth County Board of Elections was in 2025 when she filed a Statement of Organization. No financial statements are on file with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. 🐦

Researched & Written by: D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe

See first comment for additional links.

08/30/2026

Need a break in your day? Come dine with us!

Power Hour Lunch is a relaxed way to meet other Democrats here in Forsyth County, hear what’s going on, and find a place to plug in if you want to.

No speeches. No pressure. Just good people and great conversations.
B.Y.O. Lunch (or not).

📆 Every Tuesday in June
🕛 12:00 - 1:00 PM
📍 Democrat HQ
723 Coliseum Drive NW, Ste. 201 in Winston-Salem
📞 336-546-7711

⚡ Click here for details and directions: https://bit.ly/fcdpnc-power

08/28/2026

You pay for the Sheriff's Office in every property tax bill. What exactly are you funding?

That money pays the deputies who come when you dial 911 outside the city limits. It runs the county jail, and it puts officers inside county schools. One elected person is in charge of all of it, and in November you decide who that is.

Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. has had the job since 2018. Ernie Leyba is running against him for the second time. Both men built long careers in law enforcement, and both will tell you what the Sheriff's Office is today. Their answers do not match.

In July, both agreed to answer questions in front of a live audience. Today's post tells you how that went, and it lays out who is funding each campaign and where you can read the reports yourself.

Read it before you vote.

Researched & Written by D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe
Read on Substack: https://postly.click/9b8

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We can't choose well what we don't understand. This month we're taking a close look at every office on the November 2026 ballot, what the job is, who wants it, and who is funding the campaign.

ABOUT THE FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
(from their website)

The Vision of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is to enhance the quality of life and sense of community in Forsyth County by providing effective criminal justice services that are guided by integrity and compassion, and supported by the trust of those we protect.

Our Mission is to ensure the security of life and property, prevent crime and disorder, and enforce the laws of North Carolina and the United States.

Our Strategy is to identify and deploy best practice methods, incorporate them into our policies and procedures, and engage in continuing education.

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🟦 SHERIFF BOBBY F. KIMBROUGH, JR.

Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. (D), a native of Forsyth County, began his 40-year law enforcement career with the Winston-Salem Police Department. He worked with state and federal agencies before retiring in 2016.

Kimbrough became the county’s first African-American Sheriff in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He did not have a Democratic challenger during this year’s primary.

In a video posted to Kimbrough’s page (see link below), he says:
“… we have created one of the finest law enforcement agencies in this region … we are the first in technology … we have increased the coverage to manpower, the bandwidth, and everything that involves safety and protection.”

Kimbrough asks listeners to investigate people asking for their support during this election cycle. Anyone who “refuses to show up and meet the candidate. That should be a red flag. What are they hiding from, or what questions do they not want asked of them?”

In July, the Sheriff attended a debate sponsored by The Pink Vote & Camel City United Indivisible. However, even after agreeing to the debate, his opponent did not show up.

🟥 ERNIE LEYBA
Ernie Leyba (R) has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Before joining the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, he worked with police departments in Los Angeles, Kernersville, and Durham. Leyba ran for sheriff in 2018, but lost the Republican primary. He ran against Sheriff Kimbrough in 2022.

According to Leyba’s website, his initial priorities as sheriff would include addressing the Office’s turnover rate and understaffing. He wants to restore the Crime Scene Investigators and the Narcotics Division, which were eliminated due to staffing problems.

School safety is also a priority for Leyba:
“The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office was the creator of the current School Resource Program. I will strengthen our partnership with the superintendent of the schools, school board, and each school within our county.”

💰 FOLLOW THE MONEY
Kimbrough has a strong mix of individuals who contribute $50 or less and donors who contribute larger amounts. The Committee to Re-Elect Sheriff Kimbrough campaign financial reports are filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (see link below).

Leyba has filed a summary report with the Forsyth County Board of Elections (see link below), but has not yet been required to file a detailed report with the state. 🐦

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Researched & Written by: D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

See first comment for additional links to sources.

08/27/2026

You probably know that Forsyth County is split between two congressional districts, but that's not stopping us from collaborating! This Saturday, we're ignoring that gerrymandered border to support BOTH candidates running to represent us in Congress.

RSVP on Mobilize (optional):
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/1012203/

Join us at the Salem Lake Pavilion, and meet our Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives: Cyril Jefferson (District 6) and Ashley Bell (District 10). Both of them will be there from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and they're looking forward to meeting you in person. Kids are welcome.

Come with whatever is on your mind because Ashley and Cyril can only represent us if they know what we truly care about. Their campaign teams will be there too, if you want to learn about volunteering.

If you can bring a snack or a drink to share, please do. Because. Yum!

📚 BONUS BOOK DRIVE:
We're also collecting children's books for Bryce's Books, a Triad nonprofit that gives books away to get more kids reading. New or gently used, either one is fine.

SALEM LAKE PAVILION
815 Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 (Map)
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
RSVP (optional): https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/1012203/

08/27/2026

NC House District 75 has a real race this November.

Jen Wiles is challenging longtime incumbent Donny Lambeth for the seat that includes Kernersville and parts of eastern Forsyth County.

They both bring years of healthcare experience to the race. After that, the similarities start getting interesting.

We took a closer look at who they are, what they bring to the table, and what their campaign reports tell us.

Before you vote, take a few minutes to meet the candidates.

Researched & Written by D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe
Read on Substack: https://postly.click/Ehz

NCGA: The Race for NC House District 75
Who are the candidates & how do they plan to help us?

🟦 JEN WILES
Jen Wiles (D), in her first political campaign, is working hard to unseat incumbent Rep. Donny Lambeth (R). Wiles, who grew up in Northern Davidson County, explains:

“While this campaign is rooted in economic justice for ALL North Carolinians, it is — and always will be — committed to justice in every form: social, environmental, political, and global.”

In a May interview with 1756 (on Substack) founder Chris Agee, Wiles said:
“My decision to run for this seat came from a growing sense that the voices and lived experiences of everyday people in our district were not being fully reflected in the decisions being made in Raleigh.”

Wiles has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years in emergency medicine, trauma, and acute surgical services. According to her website (see link below):

It was there that she learned the truth behind the lies she had been told about “welfare queens” and immigrants stealing tax dollars - they simply weren’t. Most of these patients avoided the hospital at all costs and often came when it was too late.

She saw firsthand the real cost of failing to invest tax dollars in a healthy and educated society - and instead funding preventable chronic disease on the back end. Today, Jen devotes her time and energy to digital health solutions that improve patient access, lower costs, and raise quality of care.

🟥 REP. DONNY LAMBETH
Rep. Lambeth was first elected to the NC House in November 2012 and has been reelected six times. Lambeth, who worked for 40 years at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, retired as its president on June 30, 2012.

In a May 2026 interview with Scope News, Lambeth said:
“My expertise in health is critical as the state and local counties are dealing with significant changes mandated by federal laws,” he said. “I will be leading our state’s efforts to resolve these changes and protect access to healthcare for North Carolina citizens.”

💰 Follow the Money
Wiles is running a strong grassroots campaign with hundreds of individual donors. She is not accepting corporate PAC money.

According to the NCSBE campaign finance reports, Lambeth is receiving almost all of his money from PACs: medical, insurance, pharmaceutical, and building trade groups. Lambeth has several “old money” individual donors (former CEOs of RJ Reynolds, Bassett Furniture, Wachovia Bank) who are contributing the maximum amounts currently allowed.

The CEO of SAS Institute in Cary, James Goodnight ($6,800) and his wife ($6,800) contributed to Lambeth’s campaign a month before SAS cut 300 jobs (see link below) to focus on its cloud platform and AI tools.

Under expenditures, Lambeth listed $50,000 to the NCGOP as “Operating Expenses”. He is also spending around $7,000 a year from his campaign funds to cover expenses at his Raleigh townhome.

OPINION
Wiles, a working mom, has lived experience as a medical professional in today’s hospital environment. That gives her a better understanding of issues facing employees and patients. The “business” model Lambeth represents is outdated and he is out of touch with the working class. Has North Carolina’s healthcare system improved during the 14 years Lambeth has been in office?

🐦

Researched & Written by:
D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

08/26/2026

What happens when a developer doesn’t like a town council’s answer?

In Lewisville, a developer wanted to put apartments next to the town square. The town council said no. A year later, it said no again.

So, first his company threatened to sue the town. Lewisville settled, and taxpayers covered the cost (almost $2 million).

That developer is Rep. Jeff Zenger, who has represented NC House District 74 for three terms.
And last year in Raleigh, Zenger put his name on a bill that would limit what a town council can turn down, potentially paving the way for his development.

Zenger is on the ballot again this November, facing challenger Amy Taylor North, a woman running in one of the top 5 races in NC.

Let's follow the money to see where it leads.

By D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe
Read on Substack: https://postly.click/y2_

THE STATE LEGISLATURE

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) consists of two chambers: the Senate has 50 members, and the House of Representatives has 120 members. The main duties of the NCGA include writing laws and adopting a state budget.

The General Assembly meets in regular session beginning in January of each odd-numbered year and adjourns to reconvene the following even-numbered year for a shorter session.

Both chambers meet on Monday evenings and during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Committee meetings, where much of the work is done, are held in the morning and late afternoon. The members return home during the weekend to be available to their constituents.

NC HOUSE DISTRICT 74

🟦 AMY TAYLOR NORTH
Amy Taylor North (D) is a small business owner challenging incumbent Rep. Jeff Zenger (R). North ran against Zenger in 2024 and lost by less than 2% of the total votes cast.

On her website, North lists her top issues and her campaign’s purpose:
Platforms often read like empty promises— formulaic, impersonal, and just like every other candidate. I believe most folks don’t give a flip about politics. But they do care about what’s happening to their family, community, and their wallets. This campaign is about Doing.MORE.Good. in West Forsyth and North Carolina, making them the best possible place to live and work. Together with fellow legislators and with fresh eyes, my job is to explore new, creative, systemic solutions.
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🟥 REP. JEFF ZENGER
Rep. Jeff Zenger (R) was elected to his first term in the State Legislature in 2020 and reelected twice. Zenger, a conservative, consistently votes with the Republican leadership. He has been accused of putting his Party’s and his personal interests above the needs of his constituents.

Zenger owns Solomon Development, LLC and attempted to build apartments on a piece of land he bought in Lewisville. The Town Council denied his rezoning request twice. He threatened to sue the Town of Lewisville and several members of the Council. (See link below for more.)

In 2025, Zenger sponsored House Bill 765 to restrict local government’s enforcement of land-use rules.

💰 FOLLOW THE MONEY
According to North’s campaign finance reports, she has a strong grassroots campaign with more than 800 individual donors and over $475,000 in contributions. She has not accepted money from corporate PACs.

Zenger’s campaign finance reports show about 100 donors and contributions totaling $300,000. His support includes big money contributions and corporate PACs like Duke Energy.

From North’s website: Zenger “walked away with over $1.9M” from Lewisville taxpayers, according to former town councilman and Lewisville resident Fred Franklin:

“As a lifelong Republican, I’m voting for & supporting Amy Taylor North. I hope others will do the same. Zenger doesn’t care about us, and we need to evict him now.

“I’ve known Zenger since the late 1990s. He ran for the Lewisville Town Council in 2011, and I served with him during 6 of those years. He ran for the NC House 74 seat in 2020, and I voted for him. During Covid and remote meetings, he brought forth an asinine development proposal that would have dramatically impacted our Town Square area negatively forever. It was denied by the sitting Council, and Jeff brought suit against the Town, and five individual members of Council for $8M and punitive individual damages for standing up for the principles of what the citizens of Lewisville want for their Town. The suit was finally settled & he walked away with over $1.9M. Every penny of that money was taken from the taxpayers of Lewisville.“

🐦
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Researched & Written by: D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

08/26/2026

In NC House District 91, Democrat Lucille Puckett is running a small grassroots campaign. Her latest report shows $1,100 in monetary contributions, all from individuals.

Incumbent Rep. Kyle Hall has reported more than $318,000 in receipts, with more than a third coming from PACs and other political committees.

And some of those donors are especially interesting when you look at Hall’s role in Raleigh.

Who’s financing these campaigns? What do the candidates say they’ll do for District 91? And what should voters know before November?

We followed the money.

Read on Substack: postly.click/hVY

By D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe -ws.bsky.social
Edited by Laura L. Zielke, FC Dems

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NC HOUSE DISTRICT 91

🟦 LUCILLE PUCKETT
Lucille Puckett (D) is running a grassroots campaign for the NC House 91 seat. According to her website: Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. Our nation’s success is built on their founding principles of unlimited opportunity, quality education, commitment to hard work, and the freedom to pursue our dreams.

💰 Follow the Money
Puckett is running a small grassroots campaign. Her second-quarter report shows $1,100 in monetary contributions, all from individuals.

Puckett also received a $500 in-kind contribution from the North Carolina Democratic Party for VoteBuilder, the party’s voter-contact database. This was a donated service, not cash given to her campaign.

For more on Lucille Puckett:
- https://www.electlucillepuckett.com/

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🟥 REP. KYLE HALL
Rep. Kyle Hall (R) was appointed to the District 91 seat in 2015 following Rep. Bryan Holloway’s resignation. Hall was elected in 2016 and has been reelected four times.

According to his website, Hall is: “a common sense conservative committed to the ideals of limited government, family values and personal responsibility.”

NOTE: Hall is chair of the NC House Energy and Public Utilities Committee. He also serves on the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy.

💰 Follow the Money
Hall’s campaign reported $318,669 in receipts through June 30, 2026:
- 63% from individuals
- 35% from PACs and other political committees
- 2% from refunds and other sources

PAC Breakdown
- NC HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION PAC — $13,600
- NC REALTORS PAC — $13,600 received; $6,800 later refunded
- NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH PAC — $6,800 *
- NC ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES — $6,800
- EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS — $6,800
- CATAWBA INDIAN NATION — $6,800
- EAST RISING PAC — $6,000
- NC DENTAL SOCIETY PAC — $5,000
- ORTHOCAROLINA PAC — $5,000
- PIEDMONT TRIAD ANESTHESIA PAC — $5,000
- DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION PAC — $3,000
- BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NC PAC — $3,000
- NC HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PAC — $2,500
- NC HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION PAC — $2,500
- FOOD SOLUTIONS ACTION PAC — $2,500

*Nelson Mullins represents major energy/utility clients in NC. This donation establishes direct access to Rep. Hall, whose legislative district (HD-91) explicitly encompasses the Belews Creek Steam Station—the site of Duke Energy’s multi-billion dollar advanced nuclear reactor project.

For more on Kyle Hall:
- https://www.kylehallnc.com/

08/26/2026

There’s only one name on the ballot for NC House District 72 this November. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for voters to know.

Rep. Amber Baker is running unopposed for another term in Raleigh. So what has she said she’ll fight for? And who is helping finance her campaign?

An uncontested race may take away the choice between candidates. It doesn’t take away our responsibility to pay attention.

Here’s what District 72 voters should know before November.

Read on Substack: https://postly.click/hVY

By D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe -ws.bsky.social
Edited by Laura L. Zielke, FC Dems

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NC HOUSE DISTRICT 72

🟦 REP. AMBER BAKER
Rep. Amber Baker (D) is running for reelection in November. Baker was first elected in 2020. She did not have any challengers in this year’s primary and will not have any challengers in the General Election.

According to her website: Amber Baker’s work is rooted in strengthening public schools, widening opportunity, and making sure Winston-Salem families have a voice in Raleigh. A longtime educator and school leader, she advocates for better-resourced classrooms, affordable housing and child care, fair wages and worker protections, reproductive freedom, and policies that help local communities thrive.

💰 Follow the Money
Baker’s campaign reported $22,712 in receipts through June 30, 2026:
- 91% from individuals
- 4% from a PAC
- 5% from reimbursements and other sources

PAC Breakdown
- NC ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS PAC — $1,000
- Baker did not report contributions from any other PACs.

08/26/2026

Two names will appear under NC House District 71 on the ballot this November. But if you go looking for two campaigns, you might come up short.

Incumbent Rep. Kanika Brown has a campaign website, stated priorities, and reported contributions. Green Party candidate Mathew Mena is on the ballot, but we could find no campaign website, no publicly stated priorities for District 71, and no campaign finance reports.

So what do District 71 voters actually know about the choice in front of them?

We went looking. Here’s what we found.

Read on Substack: https://postly.click/Icy

Written by D.C. Davis, Cardinal Scribe
Edited by Laura L. Zielke, FC Dems

THE RACE FOR NC HOUSE DISTRICT 71

🟦 REP. KANIKA BROWN
Rep. Kanika Brown (D) is running for reelection as Representative of District 71 in November. Brown was first elected in 2022. She did not have any challengers in this year’s primary and will not have any challengers in the General Election.

Rep. Kanika Brown stands for making North Carolina more affordable, fair, and responsive to working families, and this is backed by an incumbent legislative record of sponsored bills and local press.

Brown supports expanding access to healthcare, including Medicaid and rural care; building more affordable housing; fully funding strong public schools and supporting teachers; protecting workers through higher wages and collective-bargaining rights; and defending reproductive freedom by keeping abortion decisions between patients and their doctors.

💰 Follow the Money
Brown’s campaign reported $5,025 in contributions through February 14, 2026*:
- Nearly 100% from individuals
- $0 from PACs or other political committees
- $0 from AIPAC
- $0 from Duke Energy

*2nd quarter report has not yet been filed.

For more on Rep. Kanika Brown:
- https://postly.click/RDJB
- https://postly.click/DXEI
- https://postly.click/xwL

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🟩 MATHEW MENA
Mathew Mena is listed as a candidate for NC House District 71 by the Green Party; however, no information is available about him. His specific priorities for District 71 are not publicly stated, and the Green Party platform is the only available ideological context and should not be treated as Mena's personal commitments.

💰 Follow the Money
- No financial reports have been filed.

For more on Mathew Mena:
- Let us know if you find anything. 😂

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Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Forsyth County Democratic Party

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