How Dems Ran 2026

Lakesha Womack

NC-14

Supported stronger oversight of data-center development

I support a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center expansion while Congress, states, utilities, and industry develop stronger standards for energy efficiency, water usage, grid reliability, and community impact.Facebook post, July 27, 2026
Discussing infrastructure needed for large data centers, Womack wrote: I also believe data centers should pay the costs of the infrastructure needed to serve them. Families and small businesses should not see their electric or water bills increase because utilities must build additional generation, transmission, substations, or water infrastructure for extremely large commercial users.North Carolina Black Alliance candidate questionnaire, updated by October 13, 2026

Called for moratoria, pauses, or stopping new data-center projects

I support a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center expansion while Congress, states, utilities, and industry develop stronger standards for energy efficiency, water usage, grid reliability, and community impact.Facebook post, July 27, 2026

Developer responsibility for infrastructure and utility costs

Discussing infrastructure needed for large data centers, Womack wrote: I also believe data centers should pay the costs of the infrastructure needed to serve them. Families and small businesses should not see their electric or water bills increase because utilities must build additional generation, transmission, substations, or water infrastructure for extremely large commercial users.North Carolina Black Alliance candidate questionnaire, updated by October 13, 2026

Enforceable water, energy, and community protections

I support a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center expansion while Congress, states, utilities, and industry develop stronger standards for energy efficiency, water usage, grid reliability, and community impact.Facebook post, July 27, 2026

Supported reining in or regulating Big Tech and AI companies

So I do believe that there's some regulation that needs to happen so that, you know, we can have like some semblance of, and I don't even want to call it control, but just regulation so that we understand like what's happening.Interview, Let's Talk w/ Brandon, October 13, 2026

Called for big structural changes that expand public coverage or Medicare benefits: Medicare for All, a public option, a Medicare buy-in, lowering the Medicare age such as Medicare at 55, or dental, vision, and/or hearing in Medicare

I support creating a public health insurance option that gives individuals and small businesses access to affordable coverage, lowering prescription drug costs, and increasing federal support for rural hospitals and community health centers.WSOC-TV candidate guide, October 20, 2026
I want to start with healthcare so I think one a Medicare for All program is definitely something that this country needsInterview, QC Amplified Civic & Community Conversations, September 14, 2026
B. I support making affordable, government-funded health insurance available to everyone who wants it while preserving the option to choose private health insurance. I also support protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to preventive and mental health care, and ensuring no one is denied quality care because of their income or pre-existing conditions.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Called to reverse the cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, or ACA coverage

making sure that we renew the ACA subsidy so that people can have some coverage while we're making that transitionInterview, QC Amplified Civic & Community Conversations, September 14, 2026

Called for lowering prescription-drug prices

I support creating a public health insurance option that gives individuals and small businesses access to affordable coverage, lowering prescription drug costs, and increasing federal support for rural hospitals and community health centers.WSOC-TV candidate guide, October 20, 2026
Support caps on out-of-pocket and prescription drug costsCampaign website, issues page
B. I support making affordable, government-funded health insurance available to everyone who wants it while preserving the option to choose private health insurance. I also support protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to preventive and mental health care, and ensuring no one is denied quality care because of their income or pre-existing conditions.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Prescription-drug price limits

Support caps on out-of-pocket and prescription drug costsCampaign website, issues page

Called for restoring ACA subsidies

My immediate priority would be to restore and strengthen ACA subsidies to make coverage more affordable for working families.Charlotte Observer and News & Observer candidate questionnaire
I've had people come to me and say that their health insurance premiums tripled this year because of the subsidies not being renewed. And so making sure that in the short term we strengthen the ACA subsidy so that people can have some health care benefits.PBS North Carolina State Lines interview

Creating a public option

I support creating a public health insurance option that gives individuals and small businesses access to affordable coverage, lowering prescription drug costs, and increasing federal support for rural hospitals and community health centers.WSOC-TV candidate guide, October 20, 2026
B. I support making affordable, government-funded health insurance available to everyone who wants it while preserving the option to choose private health insurance. I also support protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to preventive and mental health care, and ensuring no one is denied quality care because of their income or pre-existing conditions.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Passing Medicare for All

I want to start with healthcare so I think one a Medicare for All program is definitely something that this country needsInterview, QC Amplified Civic & Community Conversations, September 14, 2026

Called for higher taxes on billionaires and the wealthy

Those with the greatest ability to pay should contribute their fair share so we can invest in priorities that strengthen the middle class and create opportunity. I support targeted tax relief for working families, small businesses, and seniors while ensuring the wealthiest individuals and large corporations cannot avoid paying what they owe through loopholes or preferential treatment.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Called for corporations to pay more in taxes

Those with the greatest ability to pay should contribute their fair share so we can invest in priorities that strengthen the middle class and create opportunity. I support targeted tax relief for working families, small businesses, and seniors while ensuring the wealthiest individuals and large corporations cannot avoid paying what they owe through loopholes or preferential treatment.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Called for campaign-finance reform to reduce big money's influence

I would also pursue campaign finance reform to address the impact of Citizens United and reduce the influence of corporate and special-interest money in our elections.Charlotte Observer and News & Observer candidate questionnaire
Asked about Citizens United and campaign financing, the candidate discussed large donations: i think that you know it's important for us to get rid of you know big money in politics like I think the $3,500 donation cap is like what it should be.Let?s Talk w/ Brandon
In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Called to overturn Citizens United

In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Called for banning stock trading by members of Congress

I support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, increasing transparency in government spending, protecting ethics laws, and reducing the influence of unlimited campaign spending.Instagram post, July 16, 2026
I support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, increasing transparency in government spending, protecting ethics laws, and reducing the influence of unlimited campaign spending.LaKesha Womack campaign Facebook
In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Supported stronger conflict-of-interest and ethics rules

I support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, increasing transparency in government spending, protecting ethics laws, and reducing the influence of unlimited campaign spending.LaKesha Womack campaign Facebook
In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Reforming the Supreme Court

In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Called for a Supreme Court ethics code or enforceable ethics rules

In a jointly signed pledge, the candidate committed to a Supreme Court judicial ethics code. Believing it is not only the just course, but one requisite to renew our trust in a government "by and for the people," we the undersigned unequivocally support and commit to tirelessly fighting for and passing into law the following: Congressional Term Limits House: 6, two-year terms Senate: 2, six-year terms Overturn Citizens United Getting unlimited corporate money out of politics Moratorium on Lobbying Minimum of 5 years between end of term and employment as lobbyist No Stock Trading Prohibit stock trading for members of Congress while in office Code of Judicial Ethics for US Supreme Court Holds Supreme Court AccountableJoint candidate pledge (Take BAC Congress), captured October 30, 2026

Called for reversing tariffs that raise household costs

Want to know how we can bring down prices… end the senseless tariffs!Facebook post, October 14, 2026

Called for making child care more affordable

I would address affordability for working families and access to economic opportunity by fighting to lower health care, housing, and child care costs, while expanding small-business capital, workforce training, and infrastructure in NC-14.WBTV candidate questionnaire, February 17, 2026

Blamed high gas and fuel prices on the Iran war, tariffs, or oil companies

as far as groceries and gas I do think that we need to look at how can we possibly provide some tax credits for people on their income taxes next year for some of the money that they've had to pay out because of this senseless war that no one asked for that has caused our prices to riseInterview, QC Amplified Civic & Community Conversations, September 14, 2026

Supported raising the minimum wage

Support raising the federal minimum wageCampaign website, issues page

Supported expanding paid leave or paid time off

I will fight for policies that lower prices, increase access to capital for small business owners, expand workforce development, and support working families with childcare and paid leave.Campaign website, priorities page

Called for high earners to contribute more to Social Security

I would also ensure that we raise the cap on social security. I don't think that it's fair that someone making $140,000 is paying the same into social security as someone making $2 million.PBS, September 2, 2026
I want to scrap the cap on Social Security. I think that, you know, if we want to make Social Security solvent for the future, then we need to make sure that people, you know, making $500,000 are not paying the same amount as people who make $140,000.Radio interview, WCPT 820 AM, September 2, 2026

Opposed benefit cuts

I support strengthening Social Security for future generations, protecting benefits, and opposing efforts to privatize the program.Campaign Instagram

Eliminating the payroll-tax cap

I want to scrap the cap on Social Security. I think that, you know, if we want to make Social Security solvent for the future, then we need to make sure that people, you know, making $500,000 are not paying the same amount as people who make $140,000.Radio interview, WCPT 820 AM, September 2, 2026

Called for making housing more affordable

Support investments in affordable housing developmentCampaign website, issues page
I would address affordability for working families and access to economic opportunity by fighting to lower health care, housing, and child care costs, while expanding small-business capital, workforce training, and infrastructure in NC-14.WBTV candidate questionnaire, February 17, 2026
Protect renters and first-time homebuyersCampaign website, issues page

Supported protecting or expanding abortion access

I support protecting a woman's right to choose and ensuring access to reproductive health care, including contraception and maternal health services.Campaign Facebook post

Investing in climate resilience

Expand climate adaptation and resilience programs that help prevent food insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian crisesCampaign website, issues page

Expanding clean energy

Meeting growing electricity demand requires a diverse energy mix. I believe nuclear power is the most reliable source of carbon-free baseload electricity, complemented by investments in renewables, grid modernization, energy storage, and efficiency.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire

Supported stronger rights and safeguards in immigration enforcement

Additionally, we can not provide funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they are not willing to be held accountable for abiding by the Constitution while humanely carrying out their duties - unmasked, in marked vehicles, and wearing body cameras.Campaign Facebook

Stronger enforcement accountability

Additionally, we can not provide funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they are not willing to be held accountable for abiding by the Constitution while humanely carrying out their duties - unmasked, in marked vehicles, and wearing body cameras.Campaign Facebook

Supporting a path to citizenship

I support securing our borders while modernizing our immigration system to create earned pathways to citizenship for individuals who meet legal requirements, pass background checks, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy.Campaign Facebook
I support comprehensive immigration reform that creates pathways to citizenship while maintaining fair and consistent enforcement of our laws.Charlotte Observer and News & Observer candidate questionnaire

Abolishing or replacing ICE

I think abolishing ICE is probably going to be the path forward that we need to encourage.Let?s Talk w/ Brandon

Supported stronger checks on executive power

Regardless of who occupies the White House, Congress has an obligation to provide meaningful oversight of executive power and federal spending. I do not believe the 119th Congress has exercised that responsibility aggressively enough.WSOC-TV candidate guide, October 20, 2026

Banning partisan gerrymandering

I also think that we need to, you know, provide legislation for fair maps across the country. Um, I don't think that, you know, states should be able to, you know, decide who their, um, that politicians should be able to decide who their voters are. Voters should be able to decide who their politicians will be.Let's Talk with Brandon interview

Supported strengthening voting rights

Protect voting rights and democratic safeguardsCampaign website, issues page

Opposed war with Iran or called for ending it

Yes. I believe it is time to end this war and prioritize diplomacy. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to oversee the use of military force and taxpayer dollars, and the American people deserve transparency about our objectives, the cost of this conflict, and the strategy for bringing it to a conclusion.WSOC-TV candidate guide, October 20, 2026

Called for a specific diplomatic step or civilian protections

Lasting peace requires diplomacy, humanitarian protections, and a negotiated solution that provides security and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.iVoterGuide candidate questionnaire, archived October 22, 2026, captured October 22, 2026