Jackson is out

by | Dec 16, 2021 | Editor's Blog | 4 comments

Jeff Jackson is out. The state senator announced this morning that he’s dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U. S. Senate seat being vacated by Richard Burr. In leaving the race, he announced his endorsement of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Cheri Beasley. It’s good for Democrats. 

Jackson’s road to the nomination was always tough, if not impossible. He was running against an African American woman with a stellar political resume and respect across the state. In the Democratic primary, women make up 60% or more of the electorate and African Americans make up about 40%. In a multi-candidate primary, the winner only needs 30% of the vote. Beasley was quickly consolidating that vote and with Erica Smith’s exit to run for retiring Congressman G. K. Butterfield’s seat, his path got even tougher. His only real hope for victory was Beasley and Smith splitting both the African American and women’s vote, both of which were probably pipe dreams anyway. 

All of that said, Jackson proved himself as a candidate. He put together a very strong effort that especially mobilized younger voters. He traveled the state, visiting all 100 counties. He surely made valuable long-term political connections and impressed more than a few people. His social media campaign reached across the state and beyond. He clearly knows how to communicate, at least with Democratic voters.

I suspect we will see more of Jackson. He could run for his old state senate seat, but that would throw Mecklenburg County Democratic politics into a bit of turmoil. State Representative Rachel Hunt, former Governor Jim Hunt’s daughter, has already announced for that seat. Unless she’s willing to reconsider and run for re-election to her House seat, which also has announced candidates, that sets up a primary that could be very divisive. 

Jackson made the right decision both for himself and for the party. Cheri Beasley was always going to be the Democratic nominee. By bowing out now, Jackson allows her to begin building for the general election while Republicans beat each other up during a nasty primary fight. He certainly has built some goodwill with Beasley and other Democratic establishment types. He also has full bank account that will allow him to help other Democrats running in tough races, while holding onto enough to finance another run if the opportunity arises. And I’m relatively certain that opportunity will.

4 Comments

  1. David Tinkler

    A bit of an internal contradiction in your piece. You say that “Jackson’s road to the nomination was always tough, if not impossible.” Later you say that “Cheri Beasley was always going to be the Democratic nominee.” The latter sentiment illustrates the self-fulfilling prophecy mindset adopted by so many members of the Democratic Party establishment. The same mindset made its way into media reports about the candidates’ fundraising — stories explicitly or implicitly stated that Beasley was the fundraising leader at a point in time when Federal Election Commission data showed that Jackson had raised more. And of course that misleading impression only compounded the problem, since everyone wants to support a winner, right? A side-by-side comparison clearly shows that Jackson was the campaigner better able to challenge the Republican nominee in a rough-and-tumble general election fight, and his legislative experience shows that he would make an exemplary Senator. As a result of Jeff Jackson’s selfless and gracious endorsement, Cheri Beasley now has my vote, but Jeff Jackson represents the best of the future of the Democratic Party in North Carolina.

  2. cocodog

    Hopefully, the remaining candidate can connect with the working and retired folks of this state who pay all the taxes, build the roads, shopping centers, and receive least recognition for their efforts. There is a lot at stake for North Carolina in the upcoming years, ivory tower types have their place, but this state needs are many. The office Jackson was running for should not become a steppingstone for greater political office. There is people’s work to be done. The guy this new senator will be working with has little, if any interest in NC of its residents.

  3. cocodog

    Frankly, I am disappointed, Jackson has the ability and energy to work for all residents of this state. He does not play favorites. He would have made a great Senator.

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