Special to IFN
Raygan Angel, a 25-year-old law student and Democratic organizer, has officially filed to run for the 37th District seat in the N.C. Senate.
In his announcement, Angel said his campaign would focus on honest leadership, expanding the electorate, and strengthening voter turnout in a district shaped by partisan gerrymandering.
Born in Western North Carolina, Angel has deep roots in the state and a longstanding commitment to public service. He currently serves on the N.C. Democratic Party State Executive Committee while pursuing his law degree. His campaign reflects a belief that effective representation begins with showing up, telling the truth about the system, and building durable political infrastructure that lifts candidates up and down the ballot.
“I’m running because I believe deeply in public service, honest leadership, and a North Carolina that reflects the full diversity and future of this state,” said Angel. “Those values aren’t theoretical for me; they’re the foundation of why I’m stepping forward.”
Like much of North Carolina, District 37 is a gerrymandered legislative district, Angel noted.
Yet Iredell County was one of only eight counties in North Carolina to shift bluer in the last election cycle – and the only one to do so that was not impacted heavily by Hurricane Helene.
“We know the odds are stacked against us by design, but we also know that organizing works here,” Angel said. “Kate Barr’s race showed what happens when you tell the truth, meet voters where they are, and bring younger, more diverse, and first-time voters into the democratic process. I’m ready to build on that momentum.”
Angel’s campaign highlights how turnout in districts like 37 influences statewide races, including the re-election of Justice Anita Earls to the N.C. Supreme Court in 2026. Earls’ race is central to restoring a pro-democracy Court majority capable of requiring fair maps for the decade following the 2030 Census.
“This campaign is about strengthening the broader effort, not competing with it,” Angel said. “When we increase turnout here, we help statewide candidates who understand gerrymandering is unconstitutional—and we move North Carolina closer to a future where voters choose their leaders, not the other way around.”
Angel emphasized that his candidacy is not just about a single race, but about building long-term capacity in District 37 and beyond.
“The GOP counts on districts like this staying quiet,” he said. “We refuse to give them that advantage. I’m running with a commitment to grow volunteers, develop new leaders, and build infrastructure that benefits every voter and every candidate who wants a fairer North Carolina.”