North Carolina Democrats have cut ties with a state House candidate after resurfaced social media posts in which she appeared to endorse violence against supporters of President Donald Trump and called for an attack on conservative-leaning states.
Shelly Headen, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican state Rep. John Blust, acknowledged making anti-MAGA statements but told The Assembly she could not remember the specific posts in question.
“I can’t remember what I’ve posted,” Headen said. “I’ve been very vocal against MAGA.”
The North Carolina House Democratic Caucus announced that it would no longer support her campaign following scrutiny of the posts.
“Shelly Headen’s posts are unacceptable and do not reflect the values we expect of our candidates,” caucus spokesman Sam Lozier said. “The North Carolina House Democratic Caucus condemns these comments without qualification and will not support Shelly Headen’s candidacy.”
Among the posts drawing attention was a message Headen published on X in August 2024, shortly after then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.
“I’m so excited! Ready for the MAGAs to die off!!” she wrote.
Another post appeared to advocate an attack on US soil, specifically targeting states with large conservative populations. “I think our only hope is an attack on US Soil … preferably Alabama, Louisiana … where the stupid people live,” Headen wrote. Another post suggested Trump supporters belonged in concentration camps.
Her social media history also includes a comment made following the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Responding to a post praising the man who pleaded guilty in the case, Headen wrote, “I think America is beyond peaceful protest!”
In another Facebook discussion, she suggested that Trump supporters should experience sexual assault to understand what she described as the experiences of Trump’s victims.
Headen said she intends to continue her campaign. She told local news that she had paid $30,000 for a consulting firm to review her social media history for potential problems. Addressing the backlash over the posts, Headen compared her political activism to the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ and historical figures including Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.
“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,” Headen said.
She added, “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.”
