Lakesha Shanese Womack

Lakesha Shanese Womack is the Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, a seat that will be contested in the November 3, 2026 general election. The U.S. House requires candidates to be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they wish to represent; Womack meets all constitutional criteria and secured the Democratic nomination by winning the March 3, 2026 primary with 52.2% of the vote (20,586 votes) against Brent Caldwell and Ahmid Kargbo【1†L31-L38】.

Born and raised in Alabama, Womack earned a high‑school diploma from the Alabama School of Math and Science before attending Vanderbilt University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1999【1†L13-L15】. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies at Vanderbilt Law School, as noted on her campaign biography and the Election Hub profile【4†L13-L16】【8†L31-L34】. At 47 years old, she brings both academic credentials and extensive professional experience to her congressional bid【4†L1-L3】.

Womack’s career spans consulting, finance, nonprofit leadership, and media. She founded Womack Consulting Group in 2005, providing brand management, leadership training, and strategic planning to a range of clients【16†L9-L13】. She serves as Chief Strategy Officer for ASPIRE Community Capital, an emerging community‑development financial institution that expands capital access for under‑capitalized entrepreneurs【1†L19-L21】【7†L31-L34】. Her résumé also includes roles as CEO of Thrive Creative Community, executive producer of the “LaKesha Womack” show, and deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church【1†L17-L20】.

Political experience includes work on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, where she helped build capacity for North Carolina from South Carolina, and service on the Podium Operations Team for the 2024 Democratic National Convention【1†L41-L44】. She has acted as a strategist for local and state races, facilitated civic‑engagement workshops, and served on advisory boards such as the Charlotte Business Inclusion Advisory Committee and Friends of Keep Charlotte Beautiful【1†L21-L23】.

Womack’s platform emphasizes affordable health care, economic mobility, and robust public education. She advocates protecting and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, raising the federal minimum wage, expanding access to capital through CDFIs, and investing in affordable housing and rural hospitals【15†L1-L30】. In interviews she stresses rebuilding federal agencies with equity and listening to constituents to shape policy priorities【10†L45-L53】.

Beyond policy, Womack is an ordained minister, a published author of more than twenty books, and a host of the “Courageous Conversations” podcast. She leads several community initiatives, including the Black Seed Network and the #RethinkingChurch Strategies collective, reflecting a blend of faith‑based service and entrepreneurial leadership【16†L23-L30】. Her campaign is run through the website womack4nc14.com, which provides opportunities for donations, volunteering, and voter outreach【7†L1-L8】.

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