The Orange County Democratic Party
of North Carolina
Message from the Chair
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
Orange County Democrats Select Rani Dasi for District 1 Commissioner
On July 20, the Orange County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee elected Rani Dasi as its nominee to fill the District 1 vacancy on the Orange County Board of Commissioners following the passing of Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford. After a thoughtful and transparent selection process featuring six outstanding candidates, Rani earned the support of the applicable County Executive Committee members from District 1. She will also appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot as the Democratic nominee for District 1 Commissioner.
We congratulate Rani and extend our sincere appreciation to all of the candidates who stepped forward to serve our community. Their dedication and commitment to Orange County reflect the strength of our local Democratic Party and our shared values of public service.
Developments in Voting Rights
Learn about the latest news and changes in North Carolina’s voting laws.
America, the Unfair and Unequal
American families are under assault. It’s the price of groceries, gas, and affordable housing. It’s health care and higher education costs so burdensome that people need exorbitant loans to pay for them.
Follow the Money
Dark money floods campaigns. Billionaires buy elections. Legislators trade on inside information. Corporations spend millions greasing the wheels for government contracts. Supreme Court justices vacation on the yachts of wealthy benefactors. The president’s family pockets billions from foreign business dealings. All of it may be technically legal. None of it is good for democracy.
Mission Statement of the Orange County Democratic Party
The Orange County Democratic Party works to elect leaders who will provide: an economy that works for all, quality public education, reproductive rights for all, affordable health care for all, the right to vote in fair elections, civil rights of all, and strong communities across our wonderful state where everyone has access to clean air and water.
