
Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-NC), the Democratic nominee for North Carolina Attorney General, is facing criticism after a video emerged of him embracing a registered sex offender at a 2022 LGBT event. Chad Turner, the man Jackson hugged, is the CEO of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and was convicted of lewd acts on minors in the 1990s.
At the event, Jackson praised Turner for his activism before accepting an award from the organization and hugging Turner on stage. Turner’s criminal past had made headlines in 2016, leading to his resignation from the chamber, but reports suggest he continued to hold leadership roles.
Jackson’s campaign has defended the Congressman, claiming he was unaware of Turner’s background. However, conservative critics argue that Turner’s conviction was well-known, particularly in the Charlotte area, where Jackson has been a prominent figure.
This incident has reignited debates over North Carolina’s “bathroom bill,” which was co-sponsored by Jackson’s Republican opponent, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC). The bill was introduced after Turner and other LGBT activists pushed for an ordinance allowing individuals to use restrooms based on their gender identity.
With the election drawing near, this video could prove to be a significant setback for Jackson’s campaign as conservative voters react to his close ties to controversial LGBT figures.