The North Carolina House Democratic Caucus has publicly withdrawn its support for candidate Shelly Headen following the resurfacing of her inflammatory social media activity, according to the New York Post. Although the party has distanced itself from her controversial statements made a year ago, Headen remains on the general election ballot.
Headen, a certified public accountant seeking a seat in House District 62, shared a message last year expressing a desire for violence on American territory, specifically targeting Alabama and Louisiana. Reports indicate she also drew comparisons between President Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, describing the MAGA movement as potentially more destructive and evil than the Nazis.
Claims circulated that a photograph placed Headen at the Dachau concentration camp with a caption targeting Trump supporters. These allegations were amplified by the White House Rapid Response account on X, which characterized the individuals behind such remarks as sick.
Both the county party organization and the state Democratic Caucus condemned Headen's comments after they attracted national scrutiny. Because the filing deadline passed on August 20, the general election ballots were finalized and distributed to voters starting September 4. Consequently, Headen remains listed as the challenger to Republican state Rep. John Blust.
North Carolina Republican US Senate nominee Michael Whatley shared an image of Headen with former Gov. Roy Cooper, arguing that Cooper's continued association with a candidate who called for violence against Republicans contradicts American values. Cooper's campaign issued a statement condemning the remarks as reprehensible and reaffirming a commitment to responsible political speech.
Speaking to WFDD, a public radio station in North Carolina, Headen stated she did not recall making the posts but apologized to those offended. She denied posting the specific image of herself at the Dachau camp, telling the Greensboro News and Record that she believed the image had been altered. She acknowledged the party's decision to withdraw its support.
The race will proceed with the general election scheduled for November. While Headen's past comments have drawn renewed national attention, the ballot remains unchanged. Voters in Guilford County will determine the outcome despite the party's internal shift.
