NC Democrat who called for violence against Republicans is unfit for office | Opinion
A Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives is facing scrutiny for a Facebook comment in which she seemingly called for violence against fellow Americans.
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The comment, circulated widely by Republicans on social media, was posted a year ago by Shelly Headen, the Democratic nominee in N.C. House District 62.
“I think our only hope is an attack on US soil… preferably Alabama, Louisiana… where the stupid people live,” Headen commented under a post in a Facebook group called “Democrats, Republicans and Independents for Democracy.”
It’s not the only inflammatory post that Headen has made. In other social media posts, first reported by The Assembly, Headen said “I think America is beyond peaceful protest!” and “Ready for the MAGAs to die off!!” Breitbart News reported that Headen posted a photo at a Nazi concentration camp memorial and wrote, “This is where Trump supporters belong.”
The comments are beyond troubling. Advocating for violence is never acceptable, especially from someone seeking elected office, and it is particularly despicable to suggest that certain parts of the country deserve to be targets because of the political beliefs of those who live there. While we are free to disagree with those beliefs, we must do so respectfully, without disparaging others or, worse, encouraging their death.
House District 62, where Headen is running, is located in Guilford County. It is currently represented by a Republican, but it has the potential to flip if Democrats perform well in November. Headen’s controversy may hurt their chances of doing so, but it is too late for her to drop out of the race. According to state law, candidates cannot withdraw from a race after absentee ballots have been sent out to voters. That process began last Friday.
Republican lawmakers were quick to pounce on Headen’s comments and call on Democrats to disavow them. The House Democratic Caucus has already rescinded its support for Headen.
Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, posted a photo of Headen with former Gov. Roy Cooper and accused Cooper of “supporting a terrorist sympathizer who wants to kill Americans.” House Speaker Destin Hall said Headen has been “bankrolled and backed by Josh Stein.”
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It’s possible, if not probable, that Cooper and Stein do not have much of a relationship with Headen and were not aware of a comment she made in a random Facebook group over a year ago, before she was running for office. But condemning her remarks now is the right thing to do. In a statement, a Cooper campaign spokesperson said, “These remarks are reprehensible – Roy strongly condemns them and all forms of political violence and he believes it’s up to all of us to speak responsibly.”
It’s an opportunity for Democrats across North Carolina to set the standard for how party leaders should respond when members of their own party say and do terrible things. Democrats have long criticized Republicans for their silence on offensive, vitriolic candidates like Donald Trump and Mark Robinson, and they are right to do so. But if they’re not willing to speak up about bad behavior within their own ranks, they look like hypocrites.
Headen’s own response to her comments was sorely lacking. She waved off her remarks, saying she didn’t remember them, and insisted she would continue to run even without the support of her party.
“I’ve sacrificed myself just like Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross, and Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln and all the people that put themselves out there to sacrifice for our country,” she told The Assembly. “If a few angry moments on social media are the end, then so be it. MAGA will keep winning if we continue with not standing up for what’s right.”
That’s not an apology, and it’s certainly not accountability. Comparing oneself to Jesus, who most likely wouldn’t approve of Headen’s rhetoric, and Martin Luther King, Jr., a trailblazer for nonviolent protest, is so tactless that it’s almost laughable. The fact that Headen thought it was the right statement response at this moment shows shockingly poor judgment. If Headen’s comments weren’t enough to convince people that she’s not fit for office, her unrepentant, cavalier response should leave no doubt.
Deputy Opinion Editor Paige Masten covers politics and the 2026 elections for The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer.
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This story was originally published September 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
