Durham voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for mayor and three City Council seats — and local political action committees could play a role in shaping the outcome.
This year, Durham’s three oldest PACs are endorsing different candidates for City Council races, but have united around incumbent Mayor Leonardo Williams for reelection. The organizations are rooted in networks of activists, business leaders and community groups. Their support signal to voters where candidates stand on key issues and their financial backing can provide candidates with a critical boost on Election Day.
Thus far, four of seven Durham’s registered PACs have released endorsements for the primary and municipal elections.
The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People
The group endorsed Mayor Leonardo Williams for reelection, along with Ward 1 incumbent DeDreana Freeman, Ward 2 incumbent Mark-Anthony Middleton and Ward 3 candidate Diana Medoff.
Founded in 1935, the PAC has historically focused on integration and civil rights. The organization’s efforts have included voter registration and improving economic issues affecting the Black community.
DCABP recently faced scrutiny after former vice chair Donald Hughes resigned in May, citing “serious issues” he discovered between the committee’s bank statements and campaign finance reports. Hughes claimed he observed unusual charges to beauty supply stores, makeup artists and hairstylists, warning of the “potential for financial malfeasance and … misappropriation of the Durham Committee PAC’s tens of thousands of dollars.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation in May, but no charges have been filed.
The People’s Alliance
The People’s Alliance has endorsed Williams, challengers Matt Kopac for Ward 1 and Shanetta Burris for Ward 2 and incumbent Chelsea Cook for Ward 3.
The PAC is a progressive organization that prioritizes housing, education and voter engagement. The endorsed City Council candidates have all expressed support for affordable housing.
The group previously endorsed Williams in 2023. In 2021, the committee backed then-councilmember Williams and incumbent Ward 2 councilmember Middleton.
Friends of Durham
Friends of Durham has endorsed Williams, Kopac for Ward 1, Middleton for Ward 2 and Medoff for Ward 3.
The group is composed of local business leaders, first responders, lawyers and other “long-time residents” within Durham focused on the “growth of Durham in a thoughtful and safe way.”
The group’s stances include pushing for more variety in school choice across public, charter and private schools and more development of mixed-income housing. Middleton and Medoff are also backers of increasing affordable housing. Williams has emphasized lowering the cost of living and bettering public safety, in line with the PAC’s goals.
Yes for Durham
The PAC endorsed Williams, Middleton, Kopac and Medoff, but the four candidates have said they do not seek support from the group and will not accept any funding.
Incorporated in August, the newest PAC drew controversy during the 2025 election cycle due to its headquarters being located on property owned by Medoff’s, according to INDY week.
Medoff has written that she has “absolutely no involvement in YES for Durham” and that her husband “has no involvement on the board and has not contributed financially.” According to Medoff, he was previously involved with the organization but left before it endorsed candidates.
Williams labeled the PAC a “dark money” organization and called for the disclosure of its leadership, donors and spending. He also accused the group of trying to “buy an election.”
Non-Durham registered PACs
Some non-incumbent City Council candidates have received money from PACs not registered in Durham, including Ward 3’s Terry McCann, who received $2,000 from the Durham Republican Executive Committee, and Ward 1’s Elijah King, who received $250 from a PAC connected with former Rep. Wiley Nickel.
Citizens for Economics and Environmental Justice, the North Carolina Sheriff-Police Alliance and the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association, two other registered PACs in Durham, have not released official endorsements for this year’s elections, in line with previous years.
Despite endorsements, many candidates have not published any financial contributions from PACs. Although Mayor Leo Williams has reported receiving at least $3,000, no other mayoral candidates have records documenting PAC funding, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Freeman and Middleton have no published PAC contributions to date for this cycle.
