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NC Democratic leader apologizes following DWI charge

Matt Hughes, a state Democratic party leader who has served on the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners since 2018, was arrested last week in Chapel Hill.

Posted 2023-01-06T21:55:22+00:00 - Updated 2023-01-06T21:55:22+00:00

Paul Specht

, WRAL state government reporter

A Hillsborough town commissioner who serves in a leadership position in the North Carolina Democratic Party is apologizing after being cited last week for driving while impaired.

Matt Hughes, who has served on the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners since 2018, was arrested Dec. 29 for driving while impaired on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Chapel Hill. Hughes, who also serves as the second vice chair for the state Democratic Party, is due in court on Jan. 12.

Hughes said personal stressors had led to his actions.

“It was wrong and I'm not proud about it,” Hughes said in a statement to WRAL. “I made a decision to drive that I shouldn't have. Like a lot of people I turned to alcohol during the pandemic to cope with stress. And the events leading up to a loved one going into the ICU were certainly stressful, but that is no excuse to use alcohol and then to operate a motor vehicle. I am sorry and extremely remorseful for the pain and disappointment I've caused and ask for forgiveness. I have learned a valuable lesson and will repay my debt to the community.”

State Democratic Party officials are expected to vote on leadership positions early this year. Hughes’ seat on the Hillsborough board is also up for election this fall.