Three women are hoping to join Wilmington City Council after strong Democrat backing
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — Cassidy Santaguida and Chakema Clinton-Quintana met with New Hanover County Democratic Chair, Jill Hopman, at party headquarters Wednesday — a morning after they learned they might end up on Wilmington City Council.
The pair — as well as JC Lyle — are currently in the top three slots for three open seats.
Hopman says the potential victory means everything.
“I saw these women work their butts off for the past, you know, 7 months nonstop engaging the whole party, engaging the whole community, and I’m proud of the party and the work that we did for these incredible women,” said Hopman.
All three earned the endorsement of the county democratic party through a weeding-out process that culminated in a straw poll.
“The straw poll includes nearly, you know, over 500 delegates throughout the party. From precinct chairs to the executive board to elected officials. Our party saw these three women repeatedly show up at our events, canvas, table with us, and it shows the results of the straw poll shows that the party itself matters,” stated Hopman.
That strategy played a role in the defeat of Democratic Mayor Pro-Tem, Clifford Barnett, who did not have party endorsement, and Republican incumbent Luke Waddell.
Lyle says the election is a big step for women and the community.
“It’s pretty remarkable that three women were elected considering we’ve only had the right to vote for just over a century, but I think it speaks more to our platforms and our experience than it does to our sex,” said Lyle.
Clinton-Quintana shares the same sentiment.
“I see change on the horizon. I see women who I can work with, but more importantly, we love our city and want to hear the voices of our people,” said Clinton Quintana.
Santaguida says these women will be amazing role models.
“Personally, I am raising a daughter in this city, and I am really grateful that she gets to grow up in a city with so many great female role models on City Council,” said Santaguida.
UNCW political science professor Aaron King says the triumph of this trio shows that gender is a powerful force in politics.
“A long time ago, people would really see some of this work as more of a man’s, you know, domain. Research shows that women can be very strong candidates, and so I think having those people in those positions now then gives role models for future generations,” said King.
