Two state lawmakers and a Democratic party official are vying to replace a state Senator who is resigning at the end of the month.

Sen. Graig Meyer, D-Orange, is resigning from his position March 31 to become executive director of the North Carolina Justice Center, a group that advocates for low-income North Carolinians. 

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Meyer’s district includes Orange, Person and Caswell counties. Three Orange County Democrats this week announced their intentions to run: state Rep. Allen Buansi, state Rep. Renée Price, and Jonah Garson, who is first vice chair of the state Democratic Party. 

North Carolina Democratic Party rules instruct party members in Meyer’s district to nominate his replacement in the state Senate. State law instructs the governor — currently Democrat Josh Stein — to appoint that nominee. Any registered Democrat who lives in the district can submit their name for the party’s nominating members to consider. The state Democratic Party is encouraging candidates to fill out a form before March 28 to be considered for the nomination. 

Democrats hope the district’s next senator can take their place before mid-April, when legislators are expected to return to Raleigh for a lawmaking session. 

“We can't dilly-dally,” said Lynn McGee, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party. “We’ve got to move on this and it's got to be done democratically, openly and transparently.”

Meyer’s resignation comes seven months before an election. State law allows political parties to replace Meyer’s name on the ballot so long as they submit the required paperwork to the state Board of Elections at least 75 days before the general election.

Democrats can nominate one person to fill Meyer’s position in the legislature and another to appear on the ballot in November. McGee said Democrats are likely to replace Meyer with someone who also wants to campaign for the seat this fall. 

Buansi, a civil rights attorney and former Chapel Hill Town Council member, announced his candidacy for Meyer’s seat Tuesday on social media. “My goal is simple: ensure our region continues to have strong, steady representation and a voice in critical decisions about our education, economy, environment and more,” Buansi said in his post. 

He continued: “Having worked on public education, healthcare, housing, voting rights and economic development, I am prepared to contribute on Day One and continue advancing the priorities that matter to our communities.”

Garson, an attorney who litigates complex civil and administrative matters, announced his interest in the job Tuesday in a statement to the media. He touted his experience leading the state party and organizing successful campaigns.

“To defeat the MAGA agenda and win the progressive policies we care about, we need legislators who are not only reliable voters for progressive policies, but who are also proactive leaders,” Garson said. 

He continued: “We need legislators who know how to fight in the electoral field, at the ballot box, and, as necessary, in the courtroom. We need legislators who have a strategic vision for how we achieve good outcomes for people.”

Price, a former urban planner and Orange County commissioner, announced her candidacy in a statement Wednesday. 

"The voices of small town USA and rural America must be heard and acknowledged in the NC Legislature, and I pledge to persist in standing up and speaking out so that everyone has access to and benefits from, the resources available to fulfill their dreams," Price said. 

She continued: "Together, we must maintain our pursuit of a sound basic education for all, affordable housing, universal healthcare, resources for mental and behavioral health, climate change mitigation, universal broadband, support for farmers and small businesses, economic development, criminal justice reforms, and more."