Niqab-Wearing Muslim Woman Who Voted for Democrats in 2024 Becomes North Carolina’s GOP
Alkeisha Alston via Durham County Board of Elections FB
Lakeshia Alston, a Muslim woman who gained national attention last year after posting a campaign photo wearing a niqab, has become the Republican nominee for North Carolina’s District 22 State Senate seat.
Alston was listed as a candidate by the Durham County Board of Elections just two days before the filing deadline and ultimately secured the nomination after running unopposed.
Under North Carolina election rules, the Republican primary for the District 22 State Senate race was canceled because Alston was the only candidate to file. As a result, she automatically became the GOP nominee.
🚨#BREAKING: Lakeshia Alston, the woman running for election as a REPUBLICAN in North Carolina’s Senate District 22 in a full hijab…
…and was revealed to actually be a LIFE-LONG DEMOCRAT
RAN COMPLETELY UNOPPOSED AND IS NOW THE GOP CANDIDATE!!!!
WHAT?!!!! pic.twitter.com/UbsprqxrBt
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) March 4, 2026
According to Ballotpedia, Alston will appear on the ballot in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Reports from the New York Post noted that public voting records show Alston voted for Democratic candidates in 2024. The Daily Caller also reported on an interview conducted with Alston nearly two months before she was declared the Republican nominee.
In that interview, Alston addressed questions about her political views and her decision to run as a Republican in the heavily Democratic Durham-based district.
🚨LaKeshia Mashonda Ruddi Alston, North Carolina state Senate candidate: “I am a Republican… I am matured in my own revelation of what the Republican Party represents and it looks like me.”
Exclusive interview with @cadenolson_. pic.twitter.com/vZHM7a9bt3
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 1, 2026
Alston drew significant attention online after her campaign photo — in which she wore a niqab covering her face except for her eyes — circulated widely on social media. The image sparked discussion and scrutiny regarding her background and political positions.
During the interview, Alston repeatedly used the phrase “I am down for ISIS” while appearing to refer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In the conversation, she also spoke about experiences working with students who had interactions with immigration enforcement.
Alston is expected to face Democratic incumbent State Senator Sophia Chitlik in the general election this November.
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