Alleged Victims of David Andrews Harassment Receive Demand Letters

Letters from attorney claim allegations are defamatory and demand retractions

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled legal document or envelope, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the intimidation faced by those who have come forward with allegations of harassment.Demand letters sent to alleged victims of harassment raise concerns about intimidation tactics.Wilmington Today

At least two different kinds of demand letters were sent out by a law firm on behalf of David Andrews, a Democratic precinct chair accused of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior. The letters claim the allegations against Andrews are defamatory and demand the recipients publicly renounce their statements and get approval from the attorney before publishing anything further. Both New Hanover County Commissioner Stephanie Walker and Jennie Thomason, who is running for Clerk of Superior Court, confirmed they received copies of the letter.

Why it matters

The letters appear to be an attempt by Andrews to intimidate and silence his alleged victims, raising concerns about the ability of those who have come forward with accusations to speak freely without fear of legal retaliation. This case highlights the challenges victims of harassment and misconduct can face when trying to report wrongdoing, especially when the accused holds positions of power within the local political establishment.

The details

The letters were sent by an attorney with Port City Family Law, a Wilmington-based firm. One letter demands the recipients publicly renounce their allegations against Andrews and get approval from the attorney before publishing anything further, claiming the allegations are defamatory. The other letter was sent to people considered possible witnesses or relevant parties, telling them not to destroy or alter any possible evidence if Andrews pursues legal action.

  • In February 2026, Thomason alleged Andrews sexually harassed and inappropriately touched her at a party event.
  • Last month, the New Hanover County Democratic Party sent a detailed grievance about Andrews' behavior to the state party.
  • On April 17, 2026, Walker and Thomason confirmed they had received the demand letters from Andrews' attorney.

The players

David Andrews

A Democratic precinct chair accused of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior, and the husband of Wilmington City Council member Salette Andrews.

Stephanie Walker

A New Hanover County Commissioner who accused Andrews of aggressive, inappropriate behavior in the grievance filed by the New Hanover County Democratic Party.

Jennie Thomason

A candidate for Clerk of Superior Court who accused Andrews of sexually harassing and inappropriately touching her at a party event in February 2026, according to the grievance filed by the New Hanover County Democratic Party.

Jill Hopman

The chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, who declined to comment on the letters being sent out.

North Carolina Democratic Party

The state party's council of review is investigating the allegations against Andrews.

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What they’re saying

“The facts are the facts. I stand by my statements, and I will not be intimidated. I wholeheartedly support Ms. Thomason and the other parties in the grievance. No legal threat will change the truth.”

— Stephanie Walker, New Hanover County Commissioner

“My statements and allegations against Mr. Andrews are not defamatory. The statements attributed to me in the NHCDP's grievance regarding my experience with David Andrews on February 22, 2026, are accurate and completely truthful. They are not false, fabricated, or manipulated. They are neither malicious nor reckless.”

— Jennie Thomason, Candidate for Clerk of Superior Court

What’s next

The North Carolina Democratic Party's council of review is continuing to investigate the allegations against David Andrews. It remains to be seen if Andrews will follow through with any legal action against his accusers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges victims of harassment and misconduct can face when trying to report wrongdoing, especially when the accused holds positions of power within the local political establishment. The demand letters appear to be an attempt to intimidate and silence Andrews' alleged victims, raising concerns about the ability of those who have come forward to speak freely without fear of legal retaliation.