Dante Pittman (HD24) is a lifelong resident of Wilson County who is running for re-election to the NC House. He attended Wilson County Public Schools and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a cadet in the Army ROTC program. Today, he’s a Captain in the North Carolina National Guard. He was in the first cohort of the UNC School of Government’s distinguished Lead for North Carolina Fellows program. He’s also the spouse of longtime Now or Never NC friend Lucy Russell Pittman. In the NC House, Dante continues to champion affordable healthcare, public education, and economic opportunities. www.pittmanfornc.com
Lindsey Prather (HD115) is running for re-election to NC House in Buncombe County. She’s a recipient of the prestigious NC Teaching Fellows scholarship and spent six years as a public school teacher of Occupational Skills, American History, and Civics. Lindsey’s also worked in admissions at UNC-Asheville and as a community activist in voter education and registration. Lindsey is a proud voice for the Mountains fighting for priorities like public education, affordable healthcare, and equality for all. www.pratherfornc.com
Beth Helfrich (HD98) is running for re-election to the NC House in Mecklenburg County where she is a life-long resident and Davidson College graduate. Beth is an educator, community leader, and mom. She, her husband, and five children live in Davidson. One of her motivations in running for public office was from the egregious Dobbs decision which overturned Roe v. Wade. www.bethhelfrichnc.com
James Gailliard (SD11) is running for NC Senate in Nash, Franklin, and Vance counties. He is also a 2018 Now or Never NC alumnus, when we endorsed his winning NC House candidacy. He was the first African-American to hold the seat and ably served two terms, focused on K-12 public education and our community colleges. He’s served on the bipartisan MyFutureNC Commission to help young North Carolinians attain an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree. James attended Morehead College and St. Joseph’s University. www.JamesGalliard.com
Ken McCool (HD105) is a Town Commissioner and former Mayor Pro-Tem of Matthews, his hometown where he’s a lifelong resident. Ken’s a small business owner who was first elected to the Town Council at age 21. He’s spent years fighting for affordable housing and public safety. Ken’s stepping up to defeat Tricia Cotham, a former pro-public education and pro-choice Democrat who — once elected by the voters — switched parties and attacked public education and women’s reproductive rights. This is a vital priority district in 2026. www.KenMcCool.com
Amy Taylor North (HD74) is an exceptional candidate who garnered 48% of the vote on a shoestring budget in this suburban Winston-Salem district won by Rep. Jeff Zenger in 2024, and she can indeed win in 2026. Amy’s a small business owner and community activist who’s used to surpassing expectations and who brings extraordinary dedication to winning in this demographically changing district. www.NorthforNC.com
Evonne Hopkins (HD35) is making her second run for NC House in Wake County after a narrow loss in 2024. She operates and owns a North Raleigh-based family law practice. She and her husband have two children who attend local public schools. She’s a longtime grassroots activist facing a MAGA-style opponent. Evonne is running to regain the seat once held by 2018 Now or Never NC alumnus Terence Everitt. www.hopkinsforhouse.com
Bryan Cohn (HD32) is running for re-election in Vance and Granville counties. Before coming to the Legislature, he served on the Oxford Board of Commissioners and regained a previously long-held Democratic seat. He’s a husband, father of three, and small business owner with extensive agricultural experience. His district includes Granville and Vance counties. He was inspired to serve in public office by the horrendous events of January 6, 2021. He ran to unseat a first-term state representative hostile to reproductive rights. . www.bryan4nc.com
Winn Decker (HD37) is running in southwestern Wake County. Winn is the son of two public school teachers. He formerly worked with the Hunt Institute founded by North Carolina's four-term “Education Governor” Jim Hunt. Winn has built his career at the intersection of education and workforce policy. His life and career have prepared him to lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and deliver results that matter. www.winn4nc.com