On September 10, there will be one clear choice for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District: HRC-endorsed candidate Dan McCready. It doesn’t take much effort to recognize that there is a stark difference between McCready and his opponent, Dan Bishop -- the chief architect of anti-transgender HB2. 

If you recall what happened during the 2018 elections, then you know that this opportunity to elect a pro-equality champion, who will stand up for all North Carolinians, was almost stolen as a result of vote tampering -- which, among other kinds of suppressive tactics, has played a detrimental role in our democracy. We cannot allow this to happen on September 10. 

It is critical that Equality Voters turn out to the polls to not only elect McCready, a true ally to the LGBTQ community, but to send a message to the current administration that we will not stand for discriminatory attacks against LGBTQ North Carolinians. At every opportunity, we will unite and fight back. 

Here are some things you should know about Dan McCready’s opponent, Bishop, and this election:

1. Bishop is the chief architect of HB2, legislation which barred people in the state from using bathrooms, locker rooms and other public facilities that align with their gender identity;

2. The passage of HB2 resulted in an estimated $3.76 billion in lost business in North Carolina;

3. Bishop was an investor in Gab, a social media site that serves as a forum for white supremacists, neo-Nazis and far right extremists; and, as if that wasn't enough;

4. Bishop opposes expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which could provide coverage for up to 600,000 low-income North Carolinians.

The outcome of this election is crucial to not only stopping Bishop, but putting the brakes on this administration’s rampant discriminatory actions against the LGBTQ community. 

Early voting begins on August 21 and ends on September 6. There are nearly four weeks before the election to encourage family and friends to join the efforts to get McCready to the finish line. The best action we can take is to unite in our resistance, turn out voters to the polls and fight back at the ballot box. Click here to find your polling place. 

If you live in North Carolina and would like to join the efforts to turn out the vote and take down the architect of HB2, please visit hrc.im/mobilize to find volunteer opportunities close to you. For more information about how to get involved, you can also contact HRC Deputy Campaign Director Hope Jackson at hope.jackson@hrc.org.