Fayetteville, NC – A voter survey written in Spanish and sent to Hispanic households by Republican House Representative John Davis has caused confusion and controversy among voters in North Carolina’s 9th District. The survey, entitled “Verde o Falso” has raised concerns about the candidate’s ability to represent Hispanic households.
Representative Davis, endorsed by former president Donald Trump, intended the survey to gather feedback from Hispanic voters on important policy issues within his district. However, the incorrect title, which translates to “Green or False” instead of the intended “Verdad o Falso” meaning “True or False,” has led to widespread confusion and disapproval.
Critics argue that the misleading title shows a lack of cultural sensitivity and undermines Davis’s credibility as an elected official. Maria Gutierrez, a community advocate in Fayetteville, expressed disappointment, stating, “This error highlights the Republican Party’s disregard for Hispanic voters. It’s disheartening and sends a message that our needs and perspectives are not a priority.”
Representative John Davis has issued an apology, taking responsibility for the error, and pledging to improve future communications. “With deep regret, I apologize for the oversight in the Spanish survey and any confusion or offense it may have caused. It was my mistake, and I take full responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that all future communications are accurate, culturally sensitive, and inclusive. The Hispanic community in our district deserves to be heard and respected, and I will work diligently to regain their trust.”
With the upcoming election, this controversy may significantly impact the districts 13% Hispanic voters’ support for Davis, especially important in the historically contested district. “Rebuilding trust and authentically engaging with the Hispanic community will be essential for Representative Davis if he wants to be reelected,” stated Gutierrez.
This is not the first time that Representative Davis has run into issues with potential voters. On the campaign trail in 2017, he was quoted as stating that he understood the plight of working families attempting to make ends meet as he himself grew up impoverished.
However, when challenged with evidence showing that he was raised in the affluent Gates Four community, attended the prestigious private school, Fayetteville Academy, and received a full scholarship to Brown University, Davis attempted to clarify his remark stating that he could empathize with those dealing with poverty as both of his parents had to work in order to support their lifestyle.
“I get being poor. Both my parents had to work long hours to ensure that my sister and I could have a life of opportunity. I know what it is like to go without a parent tucking you in every night or not having enough money to go on vacation,” stated Davis.
Davis’s remarks, roundly criticized by voters of both parties as insensitive and grossly out of touch with the realities of impoverished and middle-class life, were seized upon by his opponents and are attributed as one of the main reasons that he lost the race for Congress that year to the Democratic incumbent representative Jim Mullineaux.
The upcoming election for 2024 will serve as a critical test for Davis’s ability to regain the trust of voters and effectively connect with the diverse constituents in his district which is comprised of 46% minorities and people of color.
Jamal Whitaker, a prominent Black lawyer from the 9th district, perhaps summed up the community’s current sentiment best. “I don’t care if he looks like me or can speak Spanish. What I do care about is if he [Davis] can effectively and accurately represent me and the communities he serves. So far, the jury is still out on that one.”
Truth Bureau 