John   -   

Despite relentless gerrymandering, voter suppression, and anti-democracy propaganda, democracy won yesterday.

Women led the way flipping critical seats, including the Virginia governorship and lieutenant governorship, and House seats. New Jersey elected a woman as Governor. Detroit chose its first woman Mayor in the city’s history. All these women were endorsed by our sister partner, Emily’s List.

These victories remind us that true leadership is grounded in service, not self-interest. And last night’s results gave us the playbook we need for 2026: elect bold women who fight for reproductive freedom, voting rights, and our democracy.

Here at home in North Carolina, the momentum is building:

• Christy Clark, former Featured Candidate, won re-election as Mayor of Huntersville.
• Shanetta Burris, former Lillian’s List staff, defeated an incumbent for Durham City Council.
• Kimberly Owens, recent Lillian’s List Board Member, won her election for Charlotte City Council.
• Vi Lyles, endorsed by Emily’s List, won her re-election for Charlotte Mayor.
• Marikay Abuzuaiter will be the next Mayor of Greensboro.

In Cary, progressive women swept all three Town Council races, and in Wilmington, newcomers JC Lyle, Cassidy Santaguida, and Chakema Clinton-Quintana defeated incumbents to win seats on the City Council. 

Yesterday showed us what’s possible. These women proved what we can do - and what we must do next.

The fight for 2026 begins today.

We have the power to flip legislative seats, expand reproductive freedom, and elect more progressive women who will fight for us every single day. But we can only do this with your partnership.

John, we cannot allow this momentum to fade. Together, we must protect these gains, grow our movement, and ensure North Carolina leads the way in electing bold, progressive women. Can we count on you? 

Democracy is on the line - and women are ready to step up and win in 2026. Let’s give them everything they need to succeed.

Thank you for standing with us.

Tiffany Reynolds-Richardson,
Executive Director

Paid for by

Lillian's List
P.O. Box 40129
Raleigh, NC 27629
United States

Lillian's List was founded in 1997 and named after Lillian Exum Clement, the first woman elected to the North Carolina Legislature. You’re receiving this email because you’re part of the Lillian’s List community working to elect progressive, pro-choice women in North Carolina. We’d love for you to stay connected and continue building power with us. If you’d prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe