In a surprising and controversial move, Lakeshia M. Alston has filed to run as a Republican for North Carolina State Senate District 22 in the upcoming 2026 election. This move has created quite a stir among conservatives, leading to speculation about her motives and authenticity as a Republican candidate. Alston is the only Republican in the race so far, but her past raises eyebrows.
Public perception is shaped heavily by her history as a committed Democrat. With voting records indicating her participation in Democratic primaries since at least 2008, many are questioning her sudden shift to the GOP. Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty took to X to share a screenshot of her filing, declaring, “They are trying to screw up the primaries. What a JOKE.” Such sentiments highlight a broader concern among conservatives about potential infiltration tactics aimed at disrupting the GOP.
Alston’s first public appearance as a candidate—photographed between the American and North Carolina flags while wearing a niqab—has fueled further debate about her intentions within the Republican Party. This image went viral, garnering thousands of reactions as conservatives scrutinized her candidacy. The lack of a campaign website or active social media presence only deepens the intrigue surrounding her motivations.
Her registration change raises legal questions as well. Under North Carolina law, candidates must be affiliated with their chosen party for at least 90 days prior to filing. Alston filed her notice of candidacy on December 17, suggesting she switched her registration shortly before that date. This sudden change conveniently followed the last election cycle, during which she still voted as a Democrat. Her voter history, reflected in public records, shows a clear trend of supporting Democratic candidates.
District 22, the area she aims to represent, is solidly blue, currently held by Democrats. As her campaign unfolds, Alston’s presence is a wild card. The Democratic primary already features two established candidates—incumbent Sophia Chitlik and DeDreana Freeman. Observers note that North Carolina’s semi-open primaries allow unaffiliated voters to pick a party ballot. This creates an opening for a candidate like Alston to gain traction despite her questionable affiliations.
If Alston were to win the GOP nomination without opposition, Republicans could find themselves in a precarious position. They would have to either support a candidate with a Democratic past or risk leaving the seat unchallenged in the general election. The North Carolina Republican Party has yet to issue a response to this developing situation, but calls for a legitimate conservative candidate to enter the race are growing louder.
This unfolding narrative highlights serious concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for disruption in the Republican primaries. As the deadline approaches, the stakes are high, and many are watching closely to see how the GOP will respond. Alston’s candidacy may serve as a litmus test for party loyalty and the broader dynamics within North Carolina politics.
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