Jefferson makes Congress bid official

Yahoo

5 days ago

Platform Democratic 6th Congressional District challenger Cyril Jefferson released his platform priorities in announcing his campaign Tuesday. They include: Bolstering economic development and infrastructure by modernizing transportation systems, supporting small businesses and expanding housing. Addressing housing affordability and supply by streamlining construction to expand housing options. Promoting public safety through modern policing, expanded mental health resources and developing youth intervention programs. Supporting education and workforce development by raising teacher pay and making child care more affordable. Protect Medicare and Medicaid, lower prescription drug costs and address food insecurity. Promote national security by strengthening borders, fixing the legal immigration system and providing support to military personnel and veterans. {related_content_uuid}f483e25e-3180-4f4e-b109-fcf93a3000e2{/related_content_uuid}
HIGH POINT — At times battling back emotions, High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson told an enthusiastic group of supporters Tuesday that he will promote a message of what unites people, not divides them, as he seeks to become a congressman for the first time at the age of 33.
Jefferson made his 6th Congressional District bid official during an event at Congdon Yards in High Point's core city. The High Point Enterprise reported two weeks ago that Jefferson had filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to run for Congress.
Jefferson, who's about halfway through his first term as mayor, said he would bring his collaborative approach at City Hall, where leaders put aside divisions to achieve results, to the hall of Congress.
'North Carolinians are tired of the noise and the gridlock,' he said. 'They want leaders who listen, who solve problems and who deliver results. That's exactly what I'm committed to doing. That's why I'm running.'
Jefferson was joined by his wife Raven and two children, Cyril II and Royce, as well as members of his immediate and extended family. Recognizing the support of his family was one of the moments in which Jefferson welled up with emotion.
The 6th District seat is held by freshman Republican representative Addison McDowell, who has ties to Davidson County. McDowell won the seat after receiving the endorsement of President Donald Trump in the March 2024 GOP primary.
No Democrat filed in 2024 for the 6th District contest. Former Democratic representative Kathy Manning declined to seek reelection, saying that the district was so gerrymandered after it was redrawn by Republican state legislators that a Democrat couldn't win the seat.
At his announcement event, Jefferson acknowledged that the redrawn 6th District makes it harder for a Democrat. But Jefferson said that a well-organized, grassroots campaign could succeed.
Jefferson didn't provide a figure for how much his campaign wants to raise, but he said his fundraising will be competitive.
This year three Democrats so far have said they will run in the 6th District primary that voters will settle March 3, and one of the other challengers has ties to High Point.
Keith Davenport, who lives in Welcome in Davidson County, is basing his campaign out of High Point, 'which is also the central hub for our campaign operations,' Davenport told The Enterprise.
The other Democratic hopeful is Beau Blair of Salisbury, who has a background as a bartender and liquor brands distiller.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
The 6th District includes all of High Point and Davidson County, as well as parts of western Greensboro, eastern and southern Forsyth County, all of Rowan and Davie counties and the western tip of Cabarrus County. Political analysts consider the district leaning strong Republican.
Jefferson was elected mayor in November 2023 after serving a four-year term as a High Point councilman. His current term expires in December 2027, and he could remain mayor if he loses his congressional bid.
If he were elected to Congress, Jefferson would have to resign as mayor since elected officials can't serve in more than one office at the same time. The High Point City Council would appoint his replacement as mayor.
If he wins the general election, Jefferson would become the first Black leader to hold what's evolved into the modern 6th District post and the first High Pointer to take the seat. Jefferson said that he and his supporters 'don't take it likely that we would make history.'
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