Cabarrus County NC House candidate dies after’ unforeseen medical circumstances’
Kim DeLaney, a Concord small business owner and Democratic candidate for North Carolina House District 73, died unexpectedly Monday at age 46, according to the North Carolina Democratic Party.
As a business owner and longtime community advocate, she led a local nonprofit and a small business focused on wellness and housing before entering politics. DeLaney’s death will reshape the 2026 Democratic primary for House District 73, where she was running against just one other candidate. Because she died more than 30 days after the filing period closed, state law does not require the contest to reopen, and her opponent will advance to the general election, Cabarrus Board of Elections Director Carol Soles said.
“Kim was a kind, sincere, and caring person who believed in community and in showing up for others,” the North Carolina Democratic Party House Caucus said on X.
The District 73 seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Jonathan Almond, who is running for reelection and does not have a primary opponent. Though DeLaney’s opponent will compete in the general election, DeLaney’s name will still appear on the ballot, Soles said.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Democratic candidate Thomas Monks, who was running against DeLaney, said he was “deeply saddened” by her passing and offered condolences to her family.
“Kim cared deeply about Cabarrus County and believed in giving back to the community that meant so much to her. As an entrepreneur and as a candidate for public office, she led with compassion and a genuine desire to serve,” Monks wrote. “Her passion for her work and her community was evident, but what will stay with me most is the way she made people feel: seen, heard, and valued.”
A Jan. 23 post on DeLaney’s Facebook page said that she would be temporarily pausing her campaign activities “due to unforeseen medical circumstances.”
“This decision was not made lightly,” the post said. “Kim is deeply grateful for the encouragement, trust, and support she has received throughout this campaign. Your belief in her and in the values this campaign represents means more than words can express.”
DeLaney lived in Concord for more than 15 years, according to a news release announcing her candidacy. She was originally from Tennessee and was a mother of two who said she prioritized hard work, community and small-town connection. When she announced her campaign in December, DeLaney said she was running because Cabarrus County needed practical leadership that could keep pace with growth while protecting longtime residents.
“Concord supported my dreams, and I am proud to call Cabarrus County home,” she said at the time. “As our community grows, it is critical that progress works for everyone and that we do not leave our neighbors behind.”
DeLaney owned and operated My Green House LLC, a business she launched to educate people about the benefits of CBD and Hemp for people managing health issues. She also served as executive director of Tiny House Big Movement, a local nonprofit she started to promote affordable, eco-friendly housing solutions and to work with community leaders on sustainable development projects.
Her platform focused on issues including support for small businesses, housing affordability and managed growth in Concord. DeLaney described herself as a problem-solver shaped by her roles as a mother, employer and neighbor.
DeLaney’s family is asking for donations to help support her children and funeral expenses.
