Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

September 1, 2026 A Lasting Tribute to Jamezetta Bedford

There are some people whose impact on a community cannot be measured simply by the offices they held or the years they served. Jamezetta Bedford was one of those people.

I was deeply moved to see the Orange County Board of Commissioners vote unanimously to name the new Jamezetta Bedford Crisis Diversion Facility in her honor. It is a fitting and lasting tribute to a woman who devoted so much of her life to Orange County and to the people who call it home.

Jamezetta believed deeply in public service. Whether advocating for our schools, working on behalf of families, or serving on the Board of County Commissioners, she brought compassion, intelligence, determination, and an unwavering belief that government should make people’s lives better.

It seems especially fitting that a Crisis Diversion Facility will carry Jamezetta’s name. At its heart, this facility represents a simple but powerful idea: when someone in our community is experiencing a crisis, our response should begin with help, compassion, and dignity.

The unanimous vote of the Board of Commissioners speaks volumes about the respect Jamezetta earned and the legacy she leaves behind. While those of us who knew her will continue to feel her absence, her name will now be permanently associated with a place dedicated to helping our neighbors when they need it most.

Buildings bear names, but people create legacies.

The Jamezetta Bedford Crisis Diversion Facility will ensure that her name—and the spirit of compassionate public service she embodied—will remain a part of Orange County for generations to come.

Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

August 19, 2026 Back to School and Ramping Up the Fight for Democracy

Backpacks are packed, classrooms are filling up, and a new school year is underway. For OCDP, back-to-school season means something else, too: it’s time to take our fight for democracy to the next level.

November is coming fast. Now is the time to knock doors, make calls, register voters, talk with our neighbors, and make sure Democrats turn out from the top of the ballot to the bottom.

You don’t have to do everything, but you just have to do something. Give us an afternoon. Make some calls. Knock a few doors. Bring a friend. Every conversation and every vote matters.

So sharpen the pencils, pack the backpacks, and lace up those walking shoes.

School is back in sessionand democracy has homework for all of us.

Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

July 21, 2026  Thank You to Our Commissioner Candidates

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Leah Bergman, Rani Dasi, Pam Somer-Hemminger, Maria Palmer, Renuka Soll, and Erick Valera for stepping forward to seek our nomination for the District 1 County Commissioner vacancy.

Each of you demonstrated a deep commitment to Orange County by sharing your ideas, participating in our public forum, and offering yourselves for public service. Running for office takes courage, and our party is stronger because of your willingness to lead.

Congratulations to Rani Dasi on earning the nomination. We look forward to supporting her campaign this fall.

To all six candidates: your dedication, professionalism, and passion for serving our community exemplify the very best of the Orange County Democratic Party. We are fortunate to have leaders like you, and I hope this is just the beginning of your continued service to Orange County.

Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

July 15, 2026   Democracy Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation

Summer is a time to enjoy vacations, family, and a chance to recharge. But while our schedules may slow down, democracy never takes a summer vacation.

The strength of our democracy isn’t built only on Election Day. It’s built every day by people who volunteer, attend meetings, register voters, support their communities, and step forward to serve. The work we do today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s progress.

I’ve been inspired by the dedication of Orange County Democrats over the past several weeks. Volunteers have been organizing precincts, planning events, supporting local food drives, welcoming new members, and helping us thoughtfully fill an important vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners. That commitment reflects our shared belief that public service still matters.

Whether you volunteer every week or simply stay informed and vote, you are an important part of this organization. Every conversation, every hour volunteered, and every act of service strengthens our community and our democracy.

As we look ahead, we’ll continue preparing for upcoming elections, supporting Democratic candidates, and working together to build an Orange County where opportunity, fairness, and respect guide our future.

Thank you for your commitment and all you do. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we’ll see you soon as we continue the important work ahead.

Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

July 1, 2026 Fourth of July

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the enduring promise of the Declaration of Independence that all people are created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The freedoms we enjoy are not guaranteed. They are entrusted to each generation to protect. As Benjamin Franklin is famously said to have remarked when asked what kind of government had been created: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

May this Independence Day remind us that we keep it not by fighting one another, but by working together, respecting one another, and renewing our commitment to the common good. Our unity has always been America’s greatest strength.

Happy Independence Day!

June 22, 2026

Dear friends, neighbors and family,

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford, who died on June 21 due to complications following surgery.

Jamezetta devoted decades of service to the people of Orange County. Her leadership, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community touched countless lives. She was a tireless advocate for good government, education, affordable housing, human rights, civil rights, and the well-being of all Orange County residents.

Jamezetta was always willing to show up and lend her support to causes, events, and projects that advanced justice, equity, and opportunity. She generously shared her time, knowledge, and experience with others, especially those new to public service. No matter how busy she was, she always made time to listen, offer guidance, and mentor emerging leaders as they found their footing in public office.

Her kindness, accessibility, and dedication to helping others succeed earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. Orange County has lost a remarkable public servant, and her absence will be deeply felt throughout our community.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to service and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come.

Jamezetta will be greatly missed by all who knew her, worked alongside her, and benefited from her wisdom, friendship, and unwavering commitment to making Orange County a better place.

Rest in peace, Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford.  

June 18, 2026

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.

As we honor Juneteenth, we recognize the resilience, courage, and contributions of generations of African Americans who have helped shape our nation and advance the cause of freedom. Their struggles and achievements remind us that progress is never guaranteed, but is earned through persistence, advocacy, and civic engagement.

Today, we celebrate how far we have come while acknowledging the work that remains. We recommit ourselves to building a community where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

May this Juneteenth inspire us to continue working together for a stronger democracy, greater equality, and a future filled with hope.

May 24, 2026

As we close out Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor the brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom and democracy are never guaranteed but are protected generation after generation by those willing to stand for something greater than themselves.

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty, the strength and fragility of our democracy, and our responsibility to preserve both for future generations.

Here in Orange County, we recommit ourselves to the values so many people fought and died to defend: freedom, justice, equality, and the right of every citizen to have a voice in our democracy. May we honor the fallen not only with remembrance, but also through service, civic engagement, and a renewed commitment to protecting the democratic ideals they sacrificed to defend.

Your willingness to lend a hand, whether by knocking on doors, writing postcards, phone banking, or simply engaging with neighbors in meaningful conversation, is deeply appreciated during these pivotal times. Together, we can work to right injustice, strengthen our communities, and protect our democracy. Most important, never give up hope.

May 3, 2026

As we move into a busy and important stretch for our party, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers. Your dedication is the foundation of everything we do. Whether you’ve been organizing, communicating, showing up to events, or supporting behind the scenes, your time and commitment truly make the difference. Our strength as an organization comes directly from your willingness to step up and serve. Thank you again for all your efforts.

We are also preparing for the upcoming Congressional District 4 Convention on May 9th, an important moment for shaping our direction and ensuring strong representation. I encourage all delegates to stay engaged, review materials as they become available, and be ready for a productive and organized convention. Your participation helps ensure that our process is inclusive, effective, and reflective of our shared values.

There are many events planned, and with your continued involvement, I am confident in what we can accomplish together. Many events are focused on the fall elections which are key to winning elections for democrats. Let’s focus on getting out the vote to elect Roy Cooper to the US Senate, and elect Justice Anita Earls to retain her NC Supreme Court seat.

March 28, 2026

Orange County Democratic Party Convention

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Orange County Democratic Party Convention on March 28 at A.L. Stanback Middle School. Your energy, commitment, and engagement make our party strong and help us move forward. A special, heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers who kept everything running smoothly.

Congratulations to the following people who were elected to serve on the Judicial, House District 50, and Senatorial Executive committees:

• Judicial Executive Committee members: Michael Fath (Rogers-Eubanks) and Karen Macklin (Kings Mill)
• NC House District 50 Executive Committee members: Deniese Chaney (Cheeks) and Vicki Hill (Caldwell)
• NC Senate District 23 Executive Committee members: Bonnie Bevan (Kings Mill) and Kenneth Woods (Cheeks)

February 19, 2026

A Tribute to Rev. Jessie Jackson

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life stands as a testament to courage, conviction, and an unshakable belief in justice. While Rev. Jackson grew up in segregated Greenville, S.C., he spent his formative years in North Carolina attending A&T State University in the early 1960s. As a student at A&T, he became active in local civil-rights protests against segregated libraries, theaters, and restaurants.

Rev. Jackson’s years in Greensboro made him a lifetime advocate of civil rights, including voting rights, collective action and social justice. His civil rights activism was about demanding recognition of shared humanity which was embodied by his concept of the Rainbow Coalition: a multicultural political alliance uniting diverse, marginalized groups.

Greatness often grows from local roots and Rev. Jackson’s journey from Guilford County to the national stage is a reminder. His life challenges us to remain engaged, to speak out when silence would be easier, and to organize when change feels distant. In honoring him, we honor the enduring power of youth-led movements, the legacy of the A&T students who took the simple but profound act of sitting down peacefully to stand up for what is right. Rest in peace, Rev. Jackson. You deserve it.

February 6, 2026

On February 3, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) issued a release announcing it is sending letters to more than 241,000 North Carolina voters with unvalidated identification numbers. The letter informs affected voters that the identification numbers they provided when registering to vote (driver’s license or social security numbers) do not validate in governmental databases.

The NCSBE’s letter encourages affected voters to update their voter registration by providing their driver’s license or social security numbers or by ensuring the name on their voter registration matches other official government records.

There are 2,500 Orange County voters who have been mailed the letter. They can complete the form at the bottom of the letter or contact the Orange County Board of Elections at vote@orangecountync.gov to update their voter registration.

When affected voters go to vote they will be asked if they want to update their information. Regardless of whether a voter updates their information, they will still vote using a regular ballot not a provisional ballot.

January 27, 2026

In a time of nonstop headlines and manufactured distractions, we must stay focused on our core mission: electing Democrats who govern like Democrats. Just this past week, seven Democratic members of Congress joined Republicans to vote for the Homeland Security funding bill (H.R. 7147), which increased funding for ICE. Among the seven was NC Representative Don Davis who stated he voted for the bill because it included funding for FEMA. Democrats should not vote with Republicans on policies that harm immigrant families and vulnerable communities just because their district may not get FEMA funding. This is unconscionable. We cannot pretend it doesn’t matter.

The truth is uncomfortable, but necessary when some elected officials who campaign as Democrats do not consistently govern as Democrats. When legislators break with Democratic values and caucus priorities, it undermines our credibility with voters and weakens our ability to fight for justice, equity, and working families.

To hold Democrats elected to the North Carolina General Assembly (GA) accountable, the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) has established a policy with clear expectations. When GA Democratic lawmakers repeatedly vote to override the Democratic Governor’s vetoes without the permission of their respective Democratic caucus leader, as we have seen in recent years with Democrats such as Trisha Cotham, Carla Cunningham, and others, there will be consequences. These consequences include withholding all the free items, for the balance of their term, that are extended to all Democratic candidates, including the most valuable resource-VoteBuilder. This is not punishment– it is clarity. A party without standards is not a party, it is a label. I commend this policy shift by NCDP.

This moment demands being courageous, not self-serving. If we want to win elections and deserve the trust of our communities, we must support candidates who are willing to stand firm for democratic principles and not drift when it is politically easy.

January 1, 2026

Happy New Year from the Chair

As we step into 2026, we must focus on action, organization, and resolve by using our strength, discipline, and power. The upcoming primary election is an opportunity to train our volunteers and supporters to run a cohesive and effective ground game that carries us through to the Fall midterm elections.  It is as critical as ever to roll up those sleeves and support our efforts to win back our power by electing democratic candidates.

The first quarter of 2026 is the time to build a bigger and better trained volunteer team to register new voters, mobilize voters by canvassing all precincts, and provide voter protection to thwart voter suppression.  Every voter deserves to cast a ballot safely and confidently. 

We need your help! Please volunteer here to power the work ahead

In 2026, Let’s pledge to: “Get Out the Vote,” win elections and “Save Democracy.

December 23, 2025

Holiday Message from the Chair

As we close out the year, we want to thank every volunteer, organizer, donor, and supporter who make the Orange County Democratic Party strong and impactful. Your dedication and hard work truly matter, and we appreciate all your efforts.

As we move into the holiday season, we hope you are able to enjoy time with family, friends, and neighbors, and take a moment to rest and recharge.

The 2026 election cycle is already underway, and the work ahead will require all of us to stand united, engaged, and ready to participate. We must stay focused on how the actions of the current administration are affecting our economy and our daily lives, while working to restore and strengthen the guardrails that protect our democracy.

Together, we will help elect the best Democratic candidates, rebuild our power, and defend the values we share. Thank you for all you do, and for standing with us as we move into a critical year ahead.