Alleged Victims of Harassment Receive Demand Letters from Attorney

Democratic precinct chair accused of misconduct threatens legal action against accusers

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled legal document or demand letter lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the intimidating nature of the legal threats against the accusers.Demand letters sent to alleged victims of harassment raise concerns about attempts to silence accusers.Wilmington Today

David Andrews, a Democratic precinct chair in Wilmington, North Carolina, has hired an attorney who has sent demand letters to elected officials, New Hanover County Democratic Party leaders, and women who made allegations of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior against Andrews. The letters claim the allegations are defamatory and demand the recipients publicly renounce their statements and get approval from the attorney before publishing anything further.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing allegations of misconduct, especially when they involve prominent local political figures. The demand letters raise concerns about attempts to silence accusers and the chilling effect this could have on others coming forward with similar claims in the future.

The details

The demand letters were sent by an attorney with Port City Family Law, a Wilmington-based firm. One letter claims the allegations defamed Andrews and demands the recipients publicly renounce their statements and get approval from the attorney before publishing anything further. Another letter was sent to potential witnesses, telling them not to destroy or alter any potential evidence if Andrews pursues legal action.

  • In February 2026, Jennie Thomason alleged that Andrews sexually harassed and inappropriately touched her at a party event.
  • In March 2026, the New Hanover County Democratic Party filed a detailed grievance against Andrews with the state party.

The players

David Andrews

A Democratic precinct chair in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the husband of Wilmington City Council member Salette Andrews. He is a former Pender County manager who has been accused of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior.

Jennie Thomason

A candidate running for Clerk of Superior Court in New Hanover County, who accused Andrews of sexually harassing and inappropriately touching her at a party event in February 2026.

Stephanie Walker

A New Hanover County Commissioner who also accused Andrews of aggressive, inappropriate behavior in 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.”

— 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 its investigation into the allegations against David Andrews.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in addressing allegations of misconduct, especially when they involve prominent local political figures. The demand letters raise concerns about attempts to silence accusers and the potential chilling effect this could have on others coming forward with similar claims in the future.