The News & Observer
“The eight-member council can’t agree on small things such as allowing alternative dwelling units in backyards, the regulation of electric scooters or rules on using homes for Airbnb rentals. And while tangled in smaller disputes, the council has failed to envision the big projects, adopt the innovative policies and set the bold goals that should distinguish and excite a dynamic city.
…it’s time for change. We recommend Jonathan Melton, 33, a domestic law attorney who would bring both youth and an LGBTQ perspective to the council.”
INDY Week
“[I]f Raleigh wants to be great, it needs better leadership[.] A lawyer and community organizer, Melton isn’t inherently skeptical of change, multifamily housing, or short-term rentals and ADUs. He’d also add an overdue LGBTQ voice to the council.”
Equality North Carolina
Equality North Carolina is the largest advocacy group and political lobbying organization in North Carolina focused on LGBTQ rights and the liberation of marginalized folks. With a 40 year history, ENC is the oldest statewide organization in America dedicated to LGBTQ rights
Each election cycle, ENC staff makes careful and meaningful choices surrounding who they decide to endorse as an organization. These endorsements are informed by an intersectional commitment to LGBTQ equality with an understanding of the differences within our community. ENC endorses candidates who are committed to social justice and to representing our interests through a mutual partnership.
Triangle Apartment Association
The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) is a non-profit trade association serving the multifamily rental housing industry. TAA endorses candidates based upon their commitment to smart growth strategies, their focus on sustainable development and their attention to the housing affordability crisis in our communities.
Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors
Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® is the area’s voice for real estate. Every year, Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® interviews candidates running for office and supports those who will best serve the community’s residents.
Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County
The Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County is a group that aims to advocate, educate, and promote the building industry. HBA endorses candidates who demonstrate an interest in moving Raleigh forward as it continues to grow, being proactive in reaching out to stakeholders when tackling difficult issues, and giving great attention to housing affordability while meeting the needs of all of Raleigh.
Run For Something
Run For Something (RFS) was founded in 2017 and recruits and supports young, diverse progressives for down-ballot races to build a bench for the future . They aim to lower the barriers to entry for these candidates by helping them with seed money, organization building, and access to training.
Being recognized as an RFS candidate shows I have great momentum and am running a solid, community-led campaign. RFS is deeply engaged with endorsed candidates, ie connects them to high-touch partnerships, amplifies their stories in the press, and provides volunteer efforts including phone and text banking.
The endorsement process includes an extensive internal review with background check, staff interview and insight from local state experts.
Victory Fund
Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people who can further equality at all levels of government. Representation is power.
When LGBTQ elected officials are in the room, it changes the debate, humanizes LGBTQ lives and leads to more inclusive legislation. That is why Victory Fund, for more than 28 years, has endorsed and supported thousands of LGBTQ candidates that change the face and voice of America’s politics for the better.
Charles Meeker, 34th Mayor of Raleigh
Charles Meeker was the 34th and longest serving Mayor of Raleigh; he was first elected in 2001 and reelected to a record fifth term in 2009. Mayor Meeker pushed to revitalize downtown Raleigh and successfully facilitated the construction of a new downtown convention center and hotel, as well as the reconstruction of Fayetteville Street. Due to Mayor Meeker’s service, our city has more outdoor dining, art galleries, and open spaces.
Sig Hutchinson, Wake County Commissioner
Sig Hutchinson has been working to make communities healthy and livable for more than two decades. Sig was first elected to the Wake County Commission in 2014 and has served as Chair and Vice Chair during his tenure.
Sig has led seven bond initiatives in Wake County and the City of Raleigh totaling $300 million for open space preservation, parks, greenways, transportation and affordable housing. Sig continues to be active in North Carolina where he sits on numerous boards.
Gary Pearce, Writer and Consultant
Gary Pearce is publisher of Talking About Politics, a blog focusing on national and North Carolina politics. He is also a writer and consultant for Raleigh, N.C.-based Pearce Research Associates, Inc. Prior to Talking About Politics, Gary was a campaign and gubernatorial aide to former Governor of North Carolina Jim Hunt. (Source: Ballotpedia)
Eric Braun, Former Chair, Raleigh Planning Commission
Prior to retirement, Eric Braun practiced law in the areas of land use regulation, zoning, litigation and municipal law. Eric represented developers and property owners in a wide range of land use matters, including wetlands permitting, vested rights, rezoning, special use permitting and historic preservation, variance proceedings and related litigation.
Eric also taught municipal law and land use planning for NC State’s Master of Public Administration program.
Eric continues to volunteer with local boards, committees and nonprofits dedicated to solving social and economic issues vital to maintaining healthy and viable communities.
Ashley Christensen, Chef
Ashley is the 2019 James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Chef. She owns multiple, renowned restaurants in Raleigh.
Angela Salamanca, Chef/Owner, Centro and Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria
Angela immigrated to the United States from Colombia when she was 17 years old. In 2007, she opened Centro, a restaurant in downtown Raleigh that celebrates her love for and interpretation of Mexican cuisine. In 2015, Angela opened the Triangle’s first mezcalería, Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria.
Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha, Founders, Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana
Vansana and Vanvisa founded two of Raleigh’s most loved, and well-known establishments, Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana. They are both active members of the community, often donating their time, money, and energy to various charitable causes.
David Meeker, Co-Founder, Trophy Brewing Company
David Meeker is a real estate agent, developer, and property manager. In 2013, he co-founded one of Raleigh’s favorite breweries, Trophy Brewing, and is presently overseeing expansion of the brewery’s original location on West Morgan Street.
Bearta Alchacar, Owner, Petal and Organizer, Raleigh International Food Festival
Bearta Alchacar has been involved with the international communities and has been their voice for over 10 years. The International Festival brings over 20,000 people to Raleigh to promote cross-cultural exchange and respect. She received the President’s Volunteer of the year for her work with UNICEF. She attended NCSU and has made Raleigh her home for over 25 years.