Two controversies are rocking the New Hanover County Democratic Party. First, school board candidate Rick Southerland withdrew after backlash over undisclosed ties to a registered sex offender, James Osborne—who lived with him, helped campaign, and is now facing charges for illegal voting.
Second, party leaders are dealing with allegations against David Andrews, the husband of a Wilmington city councilwoman and a Democratic precinct chair, accused of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior at party events. The county party has filed a formal grievance seeking his removal and a ban from future activities.