In a puzzling interview, Lakeshia Mashonda Ruddi Alston, the Republican candidate for North Carolina’s State Senate District 22, made a series of statements that raised eyebrows and questions about her intentions. Presenting herself as a Republican, Alston has a voting record that shows support for Democratic candidates since at least 2008. Her insistence on being a “genuine Republican” clashes starkly with her past, leaving many to wonder about her motivations.
Alston, who identifies as an educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate, stepped into the political arena without any previous experience. Her campaign lacks basic elements, such as an active website or social media presence, typically expected from candidates. This absence raises suspicions about her commitment to the role she seeks. During her conversation with the Daily Caller, Alston struggled to convey her conservative beliefs clearly, often blurting out odd remarks. One particularly bizarre claim, repeated several times, was, “I am down for ISIS,” which seemed to confuse her position on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. When cornered for clarification, she did not respond, deepening the sense of confusion around her statements.
Her defense of her Republican affiliation was fraught with contradictions. Alston remarked, “I don’t really understand the aims and the values of what that party represents,” which suggests a lack of familiarity with the core principles of her claimed party. This lack of clarity may concern primary voters who seek a candidate that embodies their views rather than someone seemingly disconnected from them.
Alston offered a strange anecdote regarding a “Chinese little boy” whose nails were somehow affected by the Hiroshima bombing, further indicating her inconsistent grasp on facts. Attempting to justify her choice to wear a niqab, she stated she wants the election to “be about who is the most qualified,” rather than her appearance. Yet her misquoted references to the Preamble of the Constitution, calling it “Give me liberty or give me peace,” undermined her assertion of focusing on substance.
On matters of policy, Alston categorized herself as “pro-choice” regarding firearms. While she personally noted that “Muslims don’t carry firearms,” she still voiced support for gun rights. This contradiction reflects a broader struggle to articulate coherent policy positions. Her vague claims about her qualifications and ability to “produce good fruit” in leadership left many with more questions than answers.
The political landscape in District 22 complicates Alston’s candidacy further. This district is a Democratic stronghold, having delivered 78% of its votes to Kamala Harris in 2024. With current Democratic incumbent Sophia Chitlik facing a primary challenge, Alston, the only Republican in the race, may soon become the presumptive GOP nominee—unless another contender emerges.
Alston’s swift shift from Democrat to Republican appears timed to meet North Carolina’s requirement that candidates must be affiliated with their party for at least 90 days before filing. Having voted as a Democrat only a few months before her candidacy, suspicions of primary sabotage loom large. These circumstances have prompted calls for an investigation into her motivations and have sparked discussions among conservatives on social media about the need for true conservatives to enter the race.
In summary, Lakeshia Mashonda Ruddi Alston’s candidacy has ignited questions about her allegiance and intentions. As the only Republican candidate in a heavily Democratic district, her statements and past voting record create a complex picture that leaves many wondering if her ambitions align with the party she claims to represent. Alston embodies a perplexing blend of self-identity and political strategy, and the upcoming primary may reveal more about her true intentions.
"*" indicates required fields
