Some Senate Democrats Oppose Garson for NC General Assembly Appointment

Concerns raised over Jonah Garson's conduct and past allegations ahead of weekend decision

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:27pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty legislative chamber or government office space, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.The North Carolina Democratic Party faces internal divisions over a key state Senate appointment, exposing tensions that could impact the party's unity and effectiveness.Durham Today

As North Carolina Democrats prepare to appoint a replacement for outgoing state Senator Graig Meyer, some party members are voicing opposition to top candidate Jonah Garson, the state Democratic Party's vice chair. Several senators and other officials cited concerns over Garson's past behavior, including an incident where he was kicked out of a Chapel Hill bar and allegations of cocaine use at party events. They argue Garson would create instability in the caucus at a critical time.

Why it matters

The appointment will determine who fills Meyer's seat through 2028 in this safe Democratic district, making the decision an important one for the party's control of the state Senate. Some Democrats fear Garson's presence could be a distraction and undermine the caucus's unity.

The details

Three Senate Democrats and two other party officials spoke out against Jonah Garson, a top candidate to replace outgoing state Senator Graig Meyer. They cited negative personal interactions with Garson, a 2024 incident where he was kicked out of a Chapel Hill bar, and an anonymous email sent to state party officials last year alleging Garson used cocaine at events. Garson denies the drug use allegations and says he was kicked out of the bar after confronting a bartender over serving an underage patron. Despite this, some Democrats argue Garson's conduct makes him unfit for the appointment, with Senator Sophia Chitlik saying 'that's not a risk we can take.' Two other unnamed senators expressed similar concerns and called for party officials to directly confront Garson about the allegations.

  • Graig Meyer resigned from the General Assembly on Tuesday to lead the North Carolina Justice Center.
  • Local Democrats will choose Meyer's successor this weekend.

The players

Jonah Garson

The state Democratic Party's vice chair and a top candidate for the General Assembly appointment.

Senator Sophia Chitlik

A Durham County senator who has endorsed other candidates for the appointment, citing concerns over Garson's conduct.

Senator Graig Meyer

The outgoing state senator whose seat is being filled, who previously defended Garson ahead of a party vote.

Representative Allen Buansi

A state representative endorsed by Senator Chitlik for the appointment.

Representative Renée Price

Another state representative Chitlik says would be a good choice for the appointment.

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What they’re saying

“'I do have serious concerns that if the repeated allegations against Jonah are true, they are disqualifying, and that's not a risk we can take.'”

— Senator Sophia Chitlik, Durham County Senator

“'Anyone who's ever worked with me knows that I'm a collaborative team player, and knows that I've been doing collaborative, behind-the-scenes work to move us all forward for years. I stand by my work, I stand by my relationships, and if folks have questions about that work and the relationships, I would refer them to my list of all the people who have supported me.'”

— Jonah Garson

“'We cannot afford to be distracted in any way, so we need someone out of the gate who can step up on Day 1. Allen and Price can step into the role.'”

— Senator Sophia Chitlik, Durham County Senator

“'Anyone who is going to make libelous accusations like this without putting their actual name on it is a f***ing p***y and they deserve to be sued.'”

— Senator Graig Meyer, Outgoing State Senator

What’s next

Local Democrats will choose Meyer's successor this weekend.

The takeaway

The backlash against Garson's appointment highlights the divisions within the North Carolina Democratic Party, with some members citing concerns over his past conduct that they believe could undermine the party's unity and effectiveness in the state Senate.