2023 Municipal Election Endorsements
We are proud to endorse a slate of candidates for North Carolina’s 2023 municipal elections who are committed to enacting bold changes that will make life in our cities and towns better for us all.
Terry Mahaffey for Apex Town Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Terry Mahaffey for Apex Town Council, At-Large
Councilmember Mahaffey has served on the Apex Town Council for four years, where he has worked to protect the environment, increase affordable housing, public transportation, and promote diversity in the community. As an engineer, he applies his problem-solving skills to making Apex a more liveable and diverse place for all. In addition to his work with the Asian American community throughout his time on the Apex Town Council, including supporting Holi Fest in Apex, Mahaffey has made further engaging with the growing AAPI community a specific goal of his reelection campaign.
“I’m thrilled to be endorsed by NCAAT in Action! The AAPI population in Apex is growing at a tremendous rate; they are now the largest minority group in Apex as of 2020. It’s important that we as leaders work to engage this growing community NOW. We must continue and expand on the work that has already begun. I am very honored that NCAAT in Action has put their trust in me with this endorsement and look forward to collaborating with them.”
Arno Zegerman for Apex Town Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Arno Zegerman for Apex Town Council, At-Large
A resident of Apex since 2013, Councilmember Zegerman has been an advocate for sustainability, equitable zoning, diversity, and small businesses since joining the Apex Town Council early this year. As an immigrant from the Netherlands and a small business owner, Zegerman has an understanding of the needs of Asian American business owners and immigrants and how the Town of Apex can help these community members thrive. Zegerman’s work to increase affordable housing access, environmental sustainability, and promote diversity in decision-making positions will continue to benefit the Asian American community in Apex.
“I am so proud to have earned the NCAAT in Action endorsement. The support from this great organization means a lot. I look forward to continue building a community of understanding and acceptance in Apex so that everybody, including underrepresented groups, feel safe, welcome, included,, and have a seat at the table in our town government.”
Lori Bush for Cary Town Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Lori Bush for Cary Town Council, At-Large.
Councilmember Bush, who has served on the Cary Town Council for 12 years, has spent years working to make Cary a more inclusive, equitable, and livable place for its residents. As a council member, she has helped the town’s Asian American population through the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force, adopting a non-discrimination ordinance, and promoting a sustainable town through environmental stewardship programs. Bush has also worked closely with local Asian American N.C. representatives Ya Liu and Maria Cervania to uplift issues affecting her Asian constituents to the state government.
“I am grateful to NCAAT in Action for their endorsement of my Cary Council campaign – with over 22% of our residents of Asian descent, they are a vital, engaged, and important part of our great Cary Community.”
Rani Dasi for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education
NCAAT in Action endorses Rani Dasi for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education
Rani Dasi has served on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board since 2015 and currently serves as board chair. She has a long history in education, including her service as board chair of the Walking Classroom, an education non-profit promoting a physically active and productive classroom environment. As a member of the board of education, Dasi is an advocate for language access – including for Asian languages – and as board chair she has been a staunch proponent of school safety, including being proactive in denouncing Asian hate.
“I’m proud to be endorsed by NCAAT in Action for my re-election to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education! NCAAT in Action’s vision to work toward a socially conscious and informed society that integrates greater participation and representation by Asian Americans is inspiring. We all benefit from an inclusive democracy that draws on the strength of diverse traditions, common values and community togetherness!”
Dimple Ajmera for Charlotte City Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Dimple Ajmera for Charlotte City Council, At-Large
Councilmember Ajmera, who is running for her fourth term on the Charlotte City Council, is the daughter of immigrants and a proud supporter of working families in her city. As a council member, she has successfully championed providing affordable health care to thousands of city employees, served as the chair of the Environment Committee, and worked to expand affordable housing. Ajmera has been a staunch advocate for the Asian American community during her time on the Charlotte City Council: She led COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts that supported Asian American owned businesses, has uplifted Asian American voices on local boards and commissions, and has been a proponent of hate crime prevention acts.
Victoria Watlington for Charlotte City Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Victoria Watlington for Charlotte City Council, At-Large
Councilmember Watlington has served on the Charlotte City Council since 2019, using her engineering background to advocate for new solutions for the people of Charlotte. On the Charlotte City Council, she has worked to help marginalized groups with small business development initiatives, increasing accessibility to housing and transportation, and advocating for violent crime prevention. As a woman of color, Watlington has a deep understanding of the needs of marginalized communities and the issues that face them; as a council member, she has prioritized providing economic mobility to people of color, including Asian American small business owners.
“As one of North Carolina’s fastest growing demographics, I am eager to connect, understand, and advocate for policies that positively impact Asian Americans and people of color in our state. I look forward to working alongside NCAAT in Action!”
Marjorie Molina for Charlotte City Council, District 5
NCAAT in Action endorses Marjorie Molina for Charlotte City Council, District 5
Councilmember Molina is a longtime resident of Charlotte and is seeking a second term to continue representing the people of East Charlotte, who she has served for over 13 years in a variety of roles. As a representative of a district with a large population of marginalized groups, Molina has advocated for their rights, inclusion, and equality on the Charlotte City Council. In her district, she has notably fostered relationships with Southeast Asian Americans who call her district home and has advocated for a more sustainable and affordable Charlotte for all.
Stephanie Hand for Charlotte City Council, District 6
NCAAT in Action endorses Stephanie Hand for Charlotte City Council, District 6
Stephanie Hand is a longtime resident of Charlotte with years of service in the Charlotte community. She currently serves on several Charlotte advisory committees and is a proponent of affordable housing, diversity and inclusion, and improved public safety for Charlotte residents. In addition to her work in the Charlotte community, she has served as a Fortune 500 executive and has a background in non-profit and civic engagement work. Hand has worked with the Hmong community to help them find a space to worship and spearheaded efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to over 17,000 people; she is committed to partnering with and advocating for Asian Americans on the city council.
Leonardo Williams for Durham Mayor
NCAAT in Action endorses Leonardo Williams for Durham Mayor
Leonardo Williams has served his community for years through his work in education, non-profits, and most recently, as a member of the Durham City Council. Williams is a staunch advocate for affordable housing, equitable economic development, and a sustainable city, using his experience as a small business owner and Durham citizen to advocate for marginalized communities, including the Asian American community. Issues that directly impact the Asian American community have been key issues in Williams’ campaign, including supporting immigrant and refugee communities, improving public safety and addressing gun violence, and increasing diversity on decision-making commissions throughout the city.
“Thank you so much to North Carolina Asian Americans Together in Action for endorsing me for mayor of Durham! NCAAT in Action supports our communities and empowers them to be engaged in democracy. I am thankful for their work in the state and in Durham. Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in North Carolina and our own city deserve to have their voices heard and their needs represented. I am committed to ensuring we all have a place in Durham!”
Javiera Caballero for Durham City Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Javiera Caballero for Durham City Council, At-Large
Councilmember Caballero has served on the Durham City Council for six years, where she has been an advocate for immigrants, marginalized groups, and environmental sustainability. The first Latina Durham City Council member, Caballero understands the needs of racial minorities, and has actively engaged with refugee and immigrant communities. She helped lead the creation of the city’s refugee and immigrant affairs coordinator position and has been a proponent of increased language access in Durham. As Durham’s Asian American population grows, Caballero will continue her work as a champion for immigrants and an advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in the city.
Carl Rist for Durham City Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Carl Rist for Durham City Council, At-Large
Carl Rist has called Durham home for over 30 years and with a background in progressive public policy and years of community service, is seeking to provide equity to all of Durham’s residents. Rist is an advocate for affordable housing, racial justice, and providing equitable economic opportunity and as a longtime Durham resident, he understands the needs, culture, and people of his city. As the son of an immigrant, he is familiar with issues surrounding immigrant communities, including Asian Americans. He is a proponent of increasing language access, including for Asian languages, and actively fighting hate crimes and promoting racial diversity in Durham.
“Durham’s Asian population is relatively small, but represents a growing share of the Durham community. As the son of an immigrant, I take great pride in receiving the endorsement of NCAAT in Action, one of North Carolina’s leading immigrant advocacy organizations. I look forward to working with NCAAT in Action on our shared commitment to communities that are equitable, prosperous and safe.”
Sherri Zann Rosenthal for Durham City Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Sherri Zann Rosenthal for Durham City Council, At-Large
Sherri Z. Rosenthal has a long history of serving the Durham community – she has spent 25 years working for the city, most recently as Deputy City Attorney before retiring in 2020. Rosenthal’s years of service have made her very familiar with the needs of the city and its people, and is an advocate for sustainable land use, public infrastructure improvement, and public safety. Using her background in law and as a member of several marginalized groups, Rosenthal wants to increase language access and protect the voting rights of communities that continue to be disenfranchised, including the Asian American community.
“Local government affects our daily lives the most of any government. It’s where we have the best chance of achieving true democracy, by welcoming the participation of all our residents. It’s wonderful to have NCAAT’s endorsement and support as we pursue ongoing progress toward liberty and justice for all.”
Mario Benavente for Fayetteville City Council, District 3
NCAAT in Action endorses Mario Benavente for Fayetteville City Council, District 3
Councilmember Benavente, a lifelong Fayetteville resident, has been an advocate for public safety, racial diversity and equity, and the rights of Asian Americans during his time on the Fayetteville City Council. Benavente has used his legal background to advocate for the rights and safety of his constituents, helping to provide the funding needed to establish an Office of Community Safety in Fayetteville, which seeks to provide citizens with proper resources and care. The first Korean and Peruvian American to serve on the Fayetteville City Council, Benavente has consistently advocated for the rights of Asian Americans and other minority groups, including joining NCAAT in Action to lobby at the General Assembly.
Matt Hughes for Hillsborough Board of Commissioners
NCAAT in Action endorses Matt Hughes for Hillsborough Board of Commissioners
Commissioner Hughes has served on the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners since 2018, where he has fought for affordable housing, equity, economic development, and a more liveable Hillsborough. As a lifelong resident of Orange County and an LGBTQ person of color, Hughes brings a unique perspective to making Hillsborough a more equitable place to live. As the Asian American population in Hillsborough continues to grow, Hughes has advocated for his Asian American constituents by helping appoint an AAPI business owner to the Hillsborough Tourism Board and has often engaged with Asian American community members through his extensive nonprofit work.
Satish Garimella for Morrisville Town Council, At-Large
NCAAT in Action endorses Satish Garimella for Morrisville Town Council, At-Large
Councilmember Garimella has served on the Morrisville Town Council since 2019 and has called the town home for over 20 years. His experience in engineering and executive leadership have informed his decision-making on the council, where he has advocated for issues such as traffic reform, education, and COVID-19 community support. Garimella led efforts to receive 17,000 vaccines for the Morrisville community. As a member of the Asian American community and a longtime Morrisville resident, he understands the needs of Asian American families in the town and how to connect with them, demonstrated by his championing of the town’s first Diwali and Holi events.
Anne Robotti for Morrisville Town Council, District 1
NCAAT in Action endorses Anne Robotti for Morrisville Town Council, District 1
Councilmember Robotti has served on the Morrisville Town Council since 2019, during which she has advocated for environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and public transportation. Robotti was a proponent of Morrisville’s Pride initiatives and recognition of Juneteenth as well as the Morrisville Smart Shuttle, a free public shuttle option. As a representative of many Asian Americans, she has worked to expand language access and wants to continue her work expanding public transportation options for Morrisville, which will continue to benefit the Asian American community.
Liz Johnson for Morrisville Town Council, District 3
NCAAT in Action endorses Liz Johnson for Morrisville Town Council, District 3
Councilmember Johnson has served on the Morrisville Town Council for 24 years, during which she has fostered economic growth, advocated for a diverse and equitable town, and improved public infrastructure and public safety. Her background as an educator and an engineer, as well as her long tenure on the town council, which includes several terms as Mayor Pro Tem, have allowed her to advocate and problem solve for the community she has called home for decades. As a proud ally of the Asian American community, she has partnered with the Hindu Society of North Carolina since she took office and has consistently advocated for her many Asian American constituents by promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive culture in Morrisville.
“This is a very special and meaningful endorsement for me. I am grateful.”