Formed in 1928, the Young Democrats of North Carolina is the oldest Young Democrats chapter in America.[1] It founded the Young Democrats of America.[2]
It actively engages North Carolina Democrats from the ages of 18 to 36 who have an active interest in governmental affairs, who are seeking a mechanism for satisfying political expression, and who want to make the members of the Democratic Party aware that young people intend to take an active role in party affairs.[citation needed]
Campaign role
The Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) is responsible for party organizational activity among North Carolina Democrats ages 18 to 36. In elections, it coordinates with state and local candidates, raises funds, and coordinates campaign strategy to bolster youth turnout.
YDNC currently is composed of 21 county chapters at the time of the 2025 Statewide Convention, held in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
In Spring 2018, YDNC launched the Cardinal Candidates program aimed at increasing the turnout of young voters in districts where Young Democrats are running for office. The program currently targets 26 Congressional and state legislative districts across the state.[3]
State Conventions
YDNC holds its State Convention at a different location every year. At Convention, the organization holds trainings, networking receptions, and elections for statewide officers. In recent years, the YDNC has co-hosted the convention with the College Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats.
In 2025, YDNC held its annual State Convention in Fayetteville, bringing together young Democrats, party leaders, and elected officials from across the state for a weekend of trainings and officer elections. The Convention featured remarks from Boone Mayor Pro Tem Dalton George, NC Democrats Chair Anderson Clayton, and other alumni, highlighted the organization's continued growth at the county level, and focused heavily on voter engagement and leadership development ahead of the 2025 municipal election cycle. Delegates also elected statewide officers and adopted organizational priorities, reinforcing YDNC's role as a driving force for youth engagement within the North Carolina Democratic Party.
2008, 80th Anniversary Statewide Convention in which a record 600+ people attended. Guest speakers included Chelsea Clinton, James Carville and John Edwards.[6] Although this was the first time Edwards spoke publicly after he resigned his campaign, he did not endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.[7][8]
Leadership and Board of Trustees
YDNC elects statewide officers at the yearly YDNC convention. Additionally, it appoints leaders on a yearly basis to serve on a board of trustees. The late Governor Jim Hunt, a former Young Democrats of North Carolina President, serves as the Honorary Chair of the YDNC Board of Trustees. This board serves in an advisory role to YDNC, and assists in fund raising efforts.
YDNC has worked to pass House Bill 91, In-Person Registration and Voting. The new law allows voters to register up to three days before Election Day, down from 25 days under the old law. The measure also provides several safeguards to ensure the integrity of voter registration and toughens criminal penalties for those who commit fraud.[11][12]
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