Unlikely Source of Influence: Secretive Republican Groups Pour Money into North Carolina Democratic Primaries
Title: Secretive Outside Groups Tied to Republicans Pour Money into North Carolina Democratic Primary Races
As the 2024 primary elections in North Carolina heat up, hundreds of thousands of dollars are flowing into key Democratic races from unexpected sources. Secretive outside groups with ties to top Republican leaders are influencing the outcome of the Democratic primary for attorney general, among other races.
The primary for attorney general features U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, Durham District Attorney Satana Deberry, and lawyer Tim Dunn. Jackson recently accused an outside group, heavily promoting Deberry as the more progressive candidate, of being a fake liberal group funded by GOP interests.
The winner of the Democratic attorney general primary will face Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop in the general election. Bishop is running unopposed.
In another twist, a dark money group with connections to GOP leadership at the state level is supporting moderate incumbents against progressive challengers in the upcoming primary.
The Carolina Leadership Coalition, a conservative group, has started sending out pro-incumbent mailers in key districts. The group has a history of controversial tactics, including digitally altered images in past elections.
The challengers to the moderate incumbents are backed by activist groups on the party’s left wing, aiming to shift the balance of power in the legislature.
The influence of these outside groups has raised questions about transparency and accountability in campaign financing. The lack of public information about these groups and their funding sources has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
As the primary election approaches, the battle between establishment Democrats and progressive challengers is intensifying, with outside groups playing a significant role in shaping the outcome of key races. The influx of money from secretive sources has added a layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape in North Carolina.
