Today, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson released this statement following the North Carolina Court of Appeals’ decision to grant a stay of proceedings, delaying the start of candidate filing: 

“Today’s decision to delay the start of candidate filings is an important step towards ensuring that North Carolina voters aren’t represented by unconstitutional, partisanly gerrymandered maps. Voters should be able to select the individuals that represent them, not the other way around. 

As our state continues to grow and transform, it is critical that the district maps reflect the diversity of our state. I am hopeful that North Carolinians will eventually vote on fair and transparent maps, and celebrate the Democrats across the state who stand ready to declare their candidacy following this decision.”