Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry has announced her candidacy for North Carolina attorney general, shaking up the Democratic primary race that seemed to be leaning towards U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson. Deberry's entrance into the race puts her in direct competition with Jackson, who joined after redistricting drew his home into a heavily Republican congressional district. Deberry, a current top local prosecutor from an urban county dominated by Democrats, won the Democratic primary vote last year with almost 80% of the vote.

Throughout her tenure as district attorney, Deberry has prioritized criminal justice reform, particularly in the areas of cash bonds and diversion programs for nonviolent offenders. In a news release, Deberry emphasized the need for an attorney general who is fair, firm, and consistent, and who will work for the people regardless of their background. She expressed her dedication to prioritizing the people's needs over politics, a value she has upheld throughout her career.

Deberry will face competition from other Democratic candidates, including Duplin County attorney Charles M. Ingram and Fayetteville lawyer Tim Dunn. On the Republican side, Dan Bishop announced his bid for the GOP nomination in August. Primary elections are scheduled for March 5, 2024. Notably, a Republican has not been elected attorney general in North Carolina for over a century.

Both Deberry and Jackson are considered strong fundraisers and prominent figures within their respective parties. Jackson, an Afghan war veteran and former state senator, previously ran for U.S. Senate and deferred to Cheri Beasley as the ultimate nominee. Meanwhile, Deberry, whose candidacy was first reported by WFAE-FM, has not previously run for a statewide position. If elected in November 2024, she would become the first Black woman to hold the position.

Deberry's campaign for district attorney focused on achieving equity and fairness within the criminal justice system. She aimed to separate violent crimes from unnecessary prosecution of vulnerable community members, particularly those who are impoverished, mentally ill, or struggling with substance abuse. Deberry also made it clear that she would not consider the death penalty in murder cases, citing its lack of fairness and equity.

Prior to serving as district attorney, Deberry held positions such as general counsel for the state Department of Health and Human Services and executive director of the North Carolina Housing Coalition. She hails from Richmond County and is a graduate of Princeton University and Duke University Law School.

Deberry's unexpected decision to run for attorney general sets the stage for a captivating showdown between her and U.S. Representative Jeff Jackson. Both candidates bring impressive credentials and a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the state's criminal justice system. The upcoming primary elections will determine which candidate will ultimately represent the Democratic Party in the general election, aiming to break the century-long streak of Republican attorneys general in North Carolina.