Libertarian candidate arrested twice in my (formerly) sleepy hometown
Shannon Bray is one of two libertarians running for governor in 2024
Less than a month ago, I noted the arrest of 50-year-old Michael Wray on weapons of mass destruction and drug charges in my (formerly) sleepy hometown.
Now my (formerly) sleepy hometown is in the news again with three separate arrests in one week of a Libertarian candidate for governor, Shannon Bray.
Quick note: His address is technically in Apex, but the neighborhood his home is in is considered by most residents to be in Holly Springs.
Police records show the 51-year-old Bray is accused of growing pot inside his house, assaulting his wife, threatening his wife, and violating a protective order put in place after the arrest for the assault and threats.
The Wake County Libertarian Party apparently issued a statement to WRAL News that said, “We're following the case closely. We believe in an individual’s right to due process and a fair trial, and will believe for the truth to be highlighted.”
Bray has not yet issued a formal statement about the arrests.
On a related note, Chair of the Wake County Libertarian Party Travis Groo is running for the Holly Springs Town Council.
More To The Story
Bray announced a bid for NC Governor in May of this year. Another Libertarian, Michael Ross, is also in the race.
He has run for U.S. Senate twice. Both times he came in third place
In the 2022 Senate matchup where Republican Ted Budd defeated Democrat Cheri Beasley, he came in third taking in 51,650 votes; a total well back from Budd’s over 1.9 million.
Bray also ran in the 2020 Senate race where Republican Thom Tillis kept his seat, defeating Democrat Cal Cunningham whose campaign was marred by an extra-marital affair scandal.
So far, his latest campaign finance report only shows $982 in donations - all from himself - and cash on hand of just $150.
No filings other than an organization document were recorded among his FEC records from 2021-22.
According to his campaign website, he is a “technology entrepreneur who focuses on providing solutions to a wide range of industries on behalf of Microsoft.”
Bray got into the information technology sector “shortly after being honorably discharged from the Navy.” He served in the Navy from 1991 to 1997.
Campaign issues for Bray include “Putting Kids First and Protecting Parents’ Rights, Keeping Our Communities Safe, Protecting the Integrity of Our Elections, Keeping North Carolina Beautiful, Fighting Special Interests, and Supporting Our Military Families.”