Lakeshia M. Alston has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination in the North Carolina State Senate District 22 race for 2026, despite a history of voting in Democratic primaries since 2008. Her decision to run as a Republican has sparked considerable debate, particularly among conservative circles, as her candidacy could be perceived as a strategic move to influence the Republican primary process.

Alston's filing on December 17, 2025, comes after she participated in the Democratic primaries in multiple election cycles, including 2020. North Carolina law mandates that candidates must be affiliated with their chosen party for at least 90 days prior to filing, suggesting a recent shift in her political alignment.

The lack of a clear campaign platform or public explanation for her switch has led to speculation regarding her intentions. Alston's online presence is minimal, with an inactive social media account that offers little insight into her political views or campaign strategy.

District 22 is known to lean Democratic, currently held by a Democrat, and the Democratic primary already features two candidates. Alston's unopposed status in the Republican primary raises concerns about the potential for her candidacy to disrupt the electoral process, particularly in a low-turnout election environment.

If Alston secures the Republican nomination, the party may face a dilemma regarding support for a candidate with a documented history of Democratic voting, which could complicate their strategy in the general election. The North Carolina Republican Party has yet to comment on her candidacy, but there is increasing pressure for them to investigate her background and consider recruiting a more traditional conservative candidate before the filing deadline.