The Conversations that Matter

Friends,

Over the last few weeks, I've spent a lot of time calling State Executive Committee members from across North Carolina.

Some conversations have been five minutes. Some have lasted an hour. Every one of them has taught me something. One thing that has amazed me is learning just how many of our rural counties have Democratic Party headquarters and some right in the heart of the community. In places where Democrats are often counted out, there are still volunteers showing up, keeping the lights on. Shout out to them and I can't wait to come visit!

I've also heard a lot about the challenges facing our party. That's not surprising. Democrats are passionate people.

But two conversations have stuck with me.

The first was with Ms. Perkins from Edgecombe County. We were talking about rising costs and affordability, and she said something I haven't been able to stop thinking about:

"The grocery store doesn't have separate lines for Democrats and Republicans."

The same prices are hitting all of us. The same economic pressures are affecting families across this state. At some point, voters have to ask whether the people in power are making their lives better or harder. Time will tell how they answer that question.

The second conversation came when I asked a question I've been asking almost everyone:

"What's going on in your county?"

Sometimes the answer is about party business. Sometimes it's about personalities. Sometimes it's about resolutions. But one mother immediately started talking about her community. She talked about schools closing. She talked about data centers being built. About her work. About her healthcare. She talked about the future of the place her family calls home.

And I remember thinking: those are the conversations that I want to hear. Those are the conversations people are having at school board meetings. Those are the conversations that win elections.

I'm convinced that our strength comes from staying connected to our communities. Not just our party organizations, but the people we are trying to serve.

I look forward to continuing these conversations in the weeks ahead, and I hope you'll reach out if you'd like to talk sooner!

Stay local and Stay focused,

Dylan