Winn Decker Wins Democratic Primary in N.C. House District 37, Will Face Incumbent Erin Paré in November
Policy pro Winn Decker secured just over 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s primary and now advances to a general election matchup that will determine who represents parts of southern Wake County
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 4, 2026 — Southern Wake County voters now know who will carry the Democratic banner in the race for North Carolina House District 37.
Winn Decker won the Democratic primary Tuesday night with 50.4 percent of the vote, defeating Marcus Gadson and Ralph Clements to secure the party’s nomination. The win places Decker on the November general election ballot, where he will face Republican incumbent Erin Paré, who currently represents the district in the North Carolina General Assembly.
House District 37 includes portions of southwestern Wake County, including communities in and around Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina.
Primary results
Three candidates competed in the Democratic primary for the seat.
Final results showed:
• Winn Decker — 50.4 percent
• Marcus Gadson — 38.0 percent
• Ralph Clements — 11.6 percent
Because Decker received more than 50 percent of the vote, no runoff is required under North Carolina election law.
Following the results, Decker thanked supporters and volunteers who participated in the campaign.
“I am deeply honored to have the trust of voters,” Decker said in a statement following the election. “This campaign has been about making life more affordable for residents, strengthening our public schools, and creating a community where families can thrive.”
Decker also acknowledged his primary opponents and signaled interest in uniting Democrats ahead of the general election.
“I want to thank Marcus Gadson and Ralph Clements for running a positive campaign,” he said. “I look forward to working with both of them and our neighbors in southern Wake County on building a better future together.”
Campaign priorities
During the primary campaign, Decker focused heavily on issues he said residents repeatedly raised in conversations across the district.
Those priorities included:
• Addressing affordability challenges facing families
• Increasing funding for public schools and improving teacher pay
• Expanding access to healthcare and mental health services
• Supporting infrastructure investments to meet community needs
• Expanding workforce training and education opportunities
Decker has also voiced support for implementing the Leandro education funding plan, increasing the number of counselors and social workers in schools, and exploring policies to help first-time homebuyers.
Who Decker will face in November Elections
With the Democratic nomination secured, Decker (website) now turns toward the November general election, where he will challenge Rep. Erin Paré (website), a Republican who has represented District 37 since first being elected in 2020.
Paré has previously served on several House committees and has built a political base in southern Wake County.
The November election will determine who represents District 37 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where lawmakers vote on issues ranging from education funding and infrastructure investment to healthcare policy and the state budget.
What’s next
The race between Decker and Paré is expected to unfold over the coming months as both campaigns begin organizing for the fall election.
Voters in House District 37 will decide the outcome when they head to the polls in the November 2026 general election.