We all saw in July how some collaborationist Democrats in the NCGA voted with Republicans to override Governor Stein’s vetoes on a bunch of awful bills— bills that will deport our neighbors, raise our utility bills, make our schools less safe, and limit access to gender affirming care. This is why the State House primaries are so critical this year. We need people governing our state who fight for all of us – a legislature of, by, and for all working people of North Carolina.
Carolina Federation members have decided, through an early endorsement vote, to endorse Rodney Pierce (HD27), Amanda Cook (HD60), and Rodney Sadler (HD106) in 2026 State House primaries.
All three of these races will be primaries between a “fighter” – a fearless champion for the multiracial working class – and a “folder” – someone who has repeatedly folded and voted with MAGA and the billionaire class. In all three of these primaries, our early support could be decisive.
In March of 2024, Rodney Pierce shocked the state by unseating 20-year incumbent Michael Wray in House District 27 (Halifax, Northampton, and Warren Counties). As a self-described “Leandro Kid”, Rep. Pierce grew up in Halifax County public schools where they didn’t have working radiators in the winter, and becoming a history teacher in those same schools, he’s seen firsthand what happens when billionaires defund public schools in majority Black, working-class districts. Michael Wray was the ringleader of the collaborationist Democrats – not just voting with Republicans, but organizing other people to break ranks too. Now, Wray is running to try to take his seat back.
Alignment: Not only did Rep. Pierce make all of the policy commitments in our questionnaire – he goes above and beyond to champion public schools and voting rights. As a Leandro Kid, he has fought tirelessly to fully fund our public schools – and he has put himself forward as the plaintiff in one of the main lawsuits against rigged voting districts.
Viability: Rep. Pierce gave the clearest possible proof of viability when he beat a 20-year incumbent last year! Still, this will be an uphill battle – without the element of surprise, Michael Wray will spend all the billionaire money he can, and Rep. Pierce will need strong support to defend his victory.
Cogovernance: Despite the demanding schedule of the State House and a competitive campaign, Rep. Pierce has committed to attending monthly gatherings with the People’s Bench. He has made it clear that he will work closely with working people’s organizations to make key decisions in the State House.
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Before serving on the High Point City Council, Amanda Cook was a public school dance teacher and a member of her union, and our partner organization, GCAE. She is running to unseat one of the most frequent “folders” in the NC House: Cecil Brockman.
Alignment: Amanda Cook is an outspoken champion for workers’ rights, public schools, and racial justice. She affirmed all the policy commitments in the questionnaire, and it is clear that – where Brockman has voted with MAGA to defund our public schools – Cook would fight back so that our kids can get the education they deserve.
Viability: Amanda Cook has won election to High Point City Council At-Large – a district that is larger than the House District she is running to represent. She started her campaign early, and since this Spring has been putting in the work on fundraising, knocking doors, and building the political relationships that she will need to win.
Cogovernance: Amanda Cook has actively sought out organizations to govern and build with. She has committed to monthly People’s Bench gatherings, meeting quarterly if elected, and making key decisions together with working people’s organizations.
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Rodney Sadler is a true movement candidate who has committed his life to fighting for working families. He is running against Carla Cunningham in House District 106. Carla Cunningham voted with MAGA in July to deport our neighbors and raise our utility bills to line Duke Energy’s pockets.
Alignment: Rev. Sadler has been arrested in the State House fighting school privatization; serves as the Tri-Chair of the NC Poor People’s Campaign; and, according to our union partners in Charlotte, has cancelled flights to join a picket line. He fights for the multiracial working class every day, not just when it’s easy. In a new majority in the NCGA, he would be a moral force for bold transformation, including living wages, single-payer healthcare, enacting real union rights, and fully funding our public schools.
Viability: Rev. Sadler has built up a strong reputation and name recognition, both within his district and among key stakeholders in Charlotte. He is also a powerful public speaker, communicating about the struggles of everyday people in a way that is both prophetic and practical.
Cogovernance: Rev. Sadler met with a delegation including Carolina Federation staff and members of UNITE HERE (the hospitality workers’ union) and CMAE (the public school workers union). Before even being asked, he volunteered that he would only run if asked to by our working people’s organizations – and that he deeply wanted to work with our base if elected to decide not just on votes, but on what bills to author and champion.
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