North Carolina Democratic caucus withdraws support from candidate over anti-GOP posts

The North Carolina House Democratic Caucus has cut all support for Shelly Headen, the Democratic candidate for House District 62, after a review revealed multiple social-media messages that advocated violence against Republicans. The caucus stated the comments violated the standards expected of its candidates and offered no further endorsement. Headen, who previously celebrated Kamala Harris’s nomination with a call for “MAGAs to die off,” also posted a 2025 Facebook comment suggesting attacks on states with large conservative populations, including Alabama and Louisiana.

She referenced the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and suggested conservatives should experience sexual assault. When questioned, Headen declined responsibility for the posts, likening herself to historic figures such as Jesus and Abraham Lincoln, and said she would remain in the race. The campaign reportedly spent $30,000 on a consulting firm to audit her online activity.