Judge Toby Hampson, No Kings In America, Permitless Disaster, Juneteenth

Our Digital Messages This Week 👇

Judicial Spotlight: Judge Toby Hampson ⚖️

We’re back with another edition of our Judicial Spotlight Series — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 2026 judicial races will shape the future of justice in North Carolina for years to come, and this week, we’re turning the spotlight on a key seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals: Judge Toby Hampson.

Elected in 2018, Judge Hampson has served on the Court of Appeals since January 2019. With re-election on the line in 2026, his race is one of the most critical on the ballot.

Throughout his career, Judge Hampson has demonstrated a deep respect for the law, a commitment to balance, and the kind of experience we need on the bench. At a time when our courts are under pressure, we need judges who stand firm on fairness and integrity.

Let’s make sure we keep Judge Toby Hampson where he belongs — on the Court of Appeals, fighting to keep North Carolina’s courts fair, impartial, and rooted in justice.

No Kings In America 🚫👑

Over the weekend, Donald Trump celebrated his birthday the only way he knows how—by parading around our military like it’s his personal army. Wrapped in the flag and flanked by tanks, this wasn’t a tribute to our troops—it was cosplay for a man obsessed with authoritarian power.

Tanks. Troops. Flyovers. All spectacle, zero substance.

While Donald salutes the troops for the cameras, behind the scenes he’s been gutting the very benefits our veterans rely on:

1 in 10 non-elderly veterans on Medicaid could lose their healthcare if Trump and MAGA Republicans get their way.
Veteran crisis lines are overwhelmed, underfunded, and dangerously close to collapse.
Trump’s mass federal worker firings hit veterans especially hard—some were pushed out without warning or severance, including Iraq War vets.

As Donald played dress-up, Americans across the country showed up in record numbers to remind him—and the world—that there are no kings in America. This week, we’re bringing that energy online. We’ve created digital protest signs inspired by the millions who took to the streets to stand up against tyranny. Download, share, and make your voice heard—because we don’t bow to authoritarians. We organize. We resist. We win.

Permitless Disaster ⁉️

Last week, North Carolina Republicans rammed through a dangerous permitless carry bill—no permit, no background check, no training required. A bill so reckless, it makes it easier to carry a hidden firearm than it is to get a fishing license. Seriously.

This legislation guts our most basic safety standards and gives the gun lobby exactly what it wants: more guns, less oversight, and zero accountability. Law enforcement officers will face greater risks during traffic stops and everyday encounters, with no way to verify who’s legally armed. It gets worse—the bill even opens the door to more guns near schools and public gatherings.

The GOP may have stopped listening to law enforcement, victims’ advocates, and concerned communities—but we won’t stop holding them accountable. Governor Josh Stein is expected to veto this disaster—but that veto alone isn’t enough. As long as Republicans hold power in the General Assembly, they’ll keep pushing dangerous, unpopular bills like this one. That’s why we have to put more Democrats in Raleigh. To stop the madness—for good.

We’re not backing down. We’re organizing, speaking out, and making sure every voter knows what’s at stake. Let’s fire up, fight back, and flip the legislature—before the GOP does even more damage.

Juneteenth 🎉 💙

On Thursday, June 19th, we come together to celebrate Juneteenth—a day of liberation, resilience, and reflection. A powerful reminder that freedom in America has always been hard-fought, especially for Black Americans.

Juneteenth is Black history. It’s American history. History that must be recognized, celebrated, and—most importantly—taught.

However, recognizing the past isn’t enough. We must keep fighting for a future rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity. Democrats are committed to that fight. From protecting voting rights, expanding healthcare, and investing in education, to reforming policing and closing the racial wealth gap—we know the work isn’t done until every North Carolinian, no matter their race or ZIP code, has the freedom to thrive.

This Juneteenth, we celebrate Black excellence, honor Black joy, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. Let’s keep building a future that lives up to the promise of freedom—for everyone. Happy Juneteenth, North Carolina.

Google Drive Folder with this week's graphics

Sample Caption:

[copy]Our courts are under pressure — and who we elect in 2026 will determine whether they stay fair and impartial.

Judge Toby Hampson has the experience and integrity NC needs. Let’s keep him on the bench. ⚖️[/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]Donald wraps himself in the flag while our veterans pay the price. America has no kings—just consequences from a wannabe.[/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]Donald Trump loves saluting the troops on camera — but behind the scenes, he’s gutting the very benefits our veterans rely on.

🩺 1 in 10 vets on Medicaid could lose coverage
📞 Crisis lines are collapsing
🪖 Veterans fired without warning

This isn’t patriotism. It’s betrayal dressed up in a flag.[/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]This Juneteenth, we celebrate Black excellence, honor Black joy, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. Let’s keep building a future that lives up to the promise of freedom—for everyone. Happy Juneteenth, North Carolina.[/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]While Donald played dictator for his birthday, veterans lost benefits, crisis lines went underfunded, and federal workers got fired. Tanks can’t hide the truth. [/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]No bribes needed.[/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]Mike Schietzelt chose reckless over responsible—putting more guns in strangers’ hands with zero checks. That puts our police and kids in more danger. If you want to keep NC safe, we can’t keep Mike in power. In 2026, lets vote him out![/copy]

Sample Caption:

[copy]Erin Paré voted to make it easier to carry a hidden gun than to get a fishing license.

No permit. No training. No background check.

This isn’t conservative. It’s reckless. NC deserves leaders who protect people, not guns.[/copy]

Stories To Boost:

NC Health News: NC Lawmakers seek to define biological sex, dismiss gender identity

Sample Social Post: [copy]🚨 NC Republicans are keen on reviving HB2-era attacks — this time by trying to erase gender identity from NC state law. Call your lawmakers. Speak out. Fight back. https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/06/17/nc-senate-republicans-seek-to-define-biological-sex-dismiss-gender-identity/[/copy]

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Upcoming:

Juneteenth Celebration – Join NC Democrats on Wednesday June 18th from 6-9PM for a vibrant Juneteenth Celebration at our historic headquarters in downtown Raleigh! It’s time to reconnect, reset, and rebuild together! Let’s make this celebration unforgettable! 🎉

Rural Tour – The North Carolina Democratic Party is on TOUR! Hosted by NCDP Chair Anderson Clayton, the Rural Tour brings statewide Democratic candidates and elected officials to every stop to allow folks across our state to meet and discuss issues directly with the Party! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with these Democratic leaders and special guests. Click here to find a location near you!

Unity Dinner – Join the North Carolina Democrats, Governor Roy Cooper, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on July 26th in Raleigh for our annual Unity Dinner! Let’s unite, let’s celebrate, and let’s move forward together. Tickets are going fast, grab yours today!

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June 18, 2025/Content Package