Primary Sabotage? Niqab-Wearing Muslim Woman Who Has Voted Democrat Since at Least 2008 is the ONLY ‘Republican’ Running for North Carolina Senate
In a move that has shocked conservatives across social media, a niqab-wearing Muslim woman named Lakeshia M. Alston has filed to run as a Republican for North Carolina State Senate District 22 in the 2026 election.
Alston is the only Republican in the race so far, and her history screams lifelong Democrat.
The shocking move has led many to question if this is an infiltration tactic from the left, designed to disrupt GOP primaries and hand victories to Democrats in the general election.
Alston’s photo and registration went viral on X when conservative commentator Eric Daugherty posted a screenshot of her official filing and an image of her standing between the American and North Carolina flags, fully veiled in a black niqab that obscures her face except for her eyes.
The images, submitted to the Durham County Board of Elections, have gone viral, amassing thousands of likes and reposts as conservatives question the legitimacy of her candidacy.
Alston, a low-profile figure with no apparent campaign website or active social media presence tied to her run, filed her notice of candidacy on December 17, according to the Durham County Board of Elections.
Public records paint a clear picture of Alston’s political leanings. Voter history from the North Carolina State Board of Elections shows she’s been participating in Democratic primaries and general elections since at least 2008.