CHICAGO — Two North Carolinians spoke on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
Governor Roy Cooper was the last scheduled speaker before Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the nomination, closing out the convention.
"We have a lot of big fights ahead of us," Cooper said during the convention. "And we've got one hell of a fighter. I know that because I know her. I want the American people to know that even if you don't agree with her on everything, Kamala Harris will fight for you."
Charlotte area politicians were excited to hear Cooper take center stage at the convention, putting North Carolina in the spotlight on one of the most pivotal nights of the 2024 election cycle.
"I am so excited to hear Governor Cooper," said Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams. "Even though you've heard him speak many, many times, being on this national stage to promote and help support Vice President Kamala Harris is going to be great for our state and great for the country."
Eric Fitts, a Wake County educator, also made remarks.
"It’s time to move forward together and build a country our kids can be proud of," Fitts said on stage, joined by his two sons, Christian and Carter.
Rep. Staton-Williams is representing Cabarrus County and North Carolina as a DNC delegate. She believes having an educator speak will bring much-needed attention to teacher pay.
"Knowing that in North Carolina, our teachers are not paid well, having him on the center stage to be able to highlight exactly why it's important for us to support our teachers," said Rep. Staton-Williams. "We know that without a solid foundation in education, we won't have a solid future."
Fitts got the call to speak after a viral TikTok earlier this year, showing President Joe Biden's trip to Fitts's Raleigh home.
The trip focused on his career as an educator, one he says he was able to achieve with help from student loan forgiveness.
"I had over $90,000 of loans erased, and this has been a game changer for me and how I can provide for my boys," Fitts said in the video.
Rep. Staton-Williams also mentioned lowering inflation and medication prices, especially insulin, as other priorities at the convention.