FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
(617) 875-6581

Statement: Lawsuit challenging gerrymandered maps in NC echoes small business beliefs about democracy 

Statement by Jim Duffett, North Carolina Director of Small Business for America’s Future on lawsuit filed by individual Black voters, NAACP North Carolina State Conference and Common Cause. 

Raleigh, N.C. Dec. 19, 2023– “Small business owners need a strong democracy in order to reach their fullest potential. The new North Carolina congressional maps put that in jeopardy as they were admittedly drawn to favor one party and do not represent the political balance in the state. It’s why we support the lawsuit filed today challenging them. 



“These extreme maps will make it hard for entrepreneurs to grow because it is not inclusive and lacks accountability. North Carolina small business owners work hard to achieve success and they deserve an environment that will help strengthen their voice. 

“Gerrymandering sows doubt in democracy by undermining fair representation, splitting communities, and diluting the power of voters of color to choose their representation. Seventy-eight percent of small business owners are very concerned with the state of our democracy, according to a Small Business for America’s Future survey. The survey also showed that 89% of small business owners believe a well functioning democracy is very important to a strong small business economy. 

“Today’s lawsuit takes a stand for democracy and the hardworking small business owners who are the cornerstones in their communities in North Carolina.”

To request an interview with Jim Duffett, contact Janel Trulear at janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581. 

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.