FACT: There is no official primary for municipal elections in New Hanover County. As a result, more candidates can file than there are seats available. When more Democrats run than seats exist, we risk splitting the vote and losing representation. The straw poll helps prevent this by identifying strong candidates and building consensus in the absence of a partisan primary.

FACT: The straw poll does not determine who can or cannot run for office. While we may encourage candidates who do not perform well in the straw poll to withdraw, the Party cannot require them to do so—and their names will still appear on the November ballot. The purpose of the straw poll is to help us focus our limited financial and volunteer resources on the exact number of candidates needed to win available seats. Like any organization, we must be strategic in how we allocate our resources—and like other organizations, the active members of the organization are the ones who help make that decision.

FACT: The straw poll was not limited to Party leadership. Voting was open to two groups: (1) delegates elected at precinct meetings within Wilmington municipal districts, and (2) members of the County Executive Committee (CEC), which includes precinct chairs and vice chairs, SEC members, board officers, caucus presidents, and elected officials.

In March 2025, Democrats in 41 precincts across New Hanover County held their annual organizational meetings. Of those, 36 precincts successfully organized and elected leadership and delegates—up to 33 per precinct, depending on voter turnout in the 2024 gubernatorial race. In total, 539 delegates were elected out of a possible 808.

To vote in the straw poll, individuals had to be either a Wilmington-based delegate or a CEC member. Of the 457 eligible voters, 429 lived in Wilmington and 29 did not but qualified through CEC roles. In the end, 284 eligible Democrats cast votes in the straw poll—demonstrating broad participation beyond just Party leadership.

FACT: The overwhelming majority of straw poll voters lived within the Wilmington city limits. Of the 457 eligible voters, 429 were Wilmington residents. Only 28 voters were from outside Wilmington, but they were still eligible because they serve in official Party roles, such as precinct chairs, vice chairs, SEC members, or caucus leaders. In total, 284 people voted in the straw poll—demonstrating that the process was driven primarily by Wilmington-based Democrats.

FACT: History shows that Democratic victories in Wilmington are far from guaranteed. In several past City Council races—including 2015, 2019, and 2021—Democrats failed to secure all available seats. In 2021, only one Democrat won out of three seats, despite a strong field of candidates. This underperformance often coincides with having too many Democratic candidates on the ballot, which splits the vote and allows Republicans to win.

The straw poll helps prevent this by promoting unity and ensuring we don’t dilute support across too many candidates. In 2023, after the straw poll was implemented, Democrats won all three available seats—a clear sign that strategic coordination works.

FACT: The straw poll process was open, transparent, and equitable. All candidates—regardless of race—were given equal access to participate. Four strong candidates, including two Black candidates, are running for City Council. Two candidates, including one Black candidate, are running for mayor.

Every candidate was asked to:

1. Complete a candidate questionnaire

2. Participate in a public forum

3. Attend the straw poll event for a final appearance

All but one candidate, a mayoral candidate, engaged in the process. Candidates who engaged in the process were given the full list of straw poll voters and their contact information to campaign directly.

At the conclusion of the straw poll, Mayor Bill Saffo and three City Council candidates— Chakema Clinton-Quintana, JC Lyle, and Cassidy Santaguida all earned endorsements.

The straw poll is not designed to exclude—it exists to help unify Democratic support behind a slate of candidates who engage with the process. Those selected through the straw poll receive the full support of the Party and its resources.