LGBTQ+ Candidates Sweep North Carolina Primaries

Seven Victory Fund-endorsed candidates win across judicial, legislative and local races

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:59am

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Seven LGBTQ+ North Carolinians endorsed by the Victory Fund have won their primary elections, spanning judicial, legislative and local races across the state. The candidates include John Arrowood, Winn Decker, Stormie Forte, Lisa Grafstein, Amanda Maris, Jessica Rivera, and Karen Stegman.

Why it matters

The victories of these LGBTQ+ candidates represent a significant milestone for representation and diversity in North Carolina politics. Their wins showcase the growing political power and influence of the LGBTQ+ community in the state, as they seek to address issues like education, healthcare, housing, and climate change.

The details

The seven LGBTQ+ candidates who won their primaries have diverse backgrounds and policy priorities. John Arrowood is a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Winn Decker is running for the state House of Representatives, Stormie Forte is seeking a Raleigh City Council-at-large seat, Lisa Grafstein is running for the state Senate, Amanda Maris is a District Court Judge, Jessica Rivera is running for the state Senate, and Karen Stegman is an Orange County Commissioner-at-large.

  • The primary elections were held on March 17, 2026.

The players

John Arrowood

A judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 2017, Arrowood has served as a judge for 11 years and was the first openly gay person elected to a statewide office in the South.

Winn Decker

Decker is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 37. He is focused on education and workforce policy, and plans to work across party lines to strengthen public schools and expand college access.

Stormie Forte

Forte is running for an at-large seat on the Raleigh City Council. Her priorities include affordable housing, infrastructure stability, and improving mobility in the city.

Lisa Grafstein

Grafstein is running for the North Carolina state Senate in District 13. She plans to focus on creating a just economy through living wages, fair tax policies, safe working conditions, and funding public schools.

Amanda Maris

Maris is a District Court Judge in District 16, first appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017. She plans to continue working on issues that impact youth and families and to promote a fair justice system.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to effectively balance what's in the best interest of the district and its residents, as well as economic opportunities are what's important to me.”

— Stormie Forte, Raleigh City Council Candidate (qnotescarolinas.com)

“Leadership means showing up, doing the work and putting people before power.”

— Jessica Rivera, North Carolina State Senate Candidate (qnotescarolinas.com)

What’s next

The general election will be held on November 5, 2026, where the LGBTQ+ candidates will face off against their Republican opponents.

The takeaway

The victories of these LGBTQ+ candidates in North Carolina's primaries demonstrate the growing political influence and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the state. Their diverse backgrounds and policy priorities indicate a commitment to addressing key issues like education, healthcare, housing, and climate change that impact all North Carolinians.