Latisha Monique Grady

Latisha Monique Grady is the Republican candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 18 in the 2026 general election, scheduled for November 3, 2026. The race pits her against incumbent Democrat Deb Butler, with the Republican primary having been cancelled and Grady automatically advancing to the general ballot ¹.

Grady earned a summa cum laude degree from East Carolina University’s University Studies Program, concentrating in Business Systems, graduating in 2022. She describes herself as “eclectic and light‑hearted,” noting that personal caregiving experiences in 2021 shaped her commitment to public service and humility ¹⁹.

Professionally, Grady has built a diverse portfolio in operations, fintech, and compliance. She worked at Ripple, where she built and maintained a centralized document hub for the user‑research team, and at Moen, where she authored a standard operating‑procedure handbook to streamline HR coordinator processes. She also served as a fraud analyst for Bank of America, educating customers on fraud prevention. After a layoff in 2024, she drove for Lyft while pursuing continuing education in fintech compliance, SQL, and data analytics, and she actively invests in digital assets, staying current on regulatory developments such as the Genius and Clarity Acts ²⁰.

Grady’s campaign finances, as reported by Transparency USA, show modest fundraising: a total of $1,636 in contributions, with the largest donors being Brian Eckel ($1,041.98), the North Carolina Republican Party ($339.51), John Hinnant ($150.00), and Davis Kiyonaga ($104.48) ¹⁸.

While her official campaign platform details are not yet published, her professional focus on fintech, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency suggests a policy interest in modernizing financial services, enhancing consumer protection, and supporting technology‑driven economic growth in her district. Grady’s public speaking experience, including a 2024 commencement address at her alma mater, indicates a willingness to engage constituents directly.

Grady’s candidacy reflects a blend of technical expertise, private‑sector experience, and personal resilience, positioning her as a candidate who aims to bring a “Swiss Army knife” approach to legislative work—addressing a wide range of issues with a multifaceted skill set.

Sources