A newly elected Democrat from North Carolina, LaKesha Womack, is due in court on a felony charge shortly after her election victory, which may complicate her upcoming term in Congress.
Womack, who recently defeated Republican Rep. Tim Moore in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, faces allegations stemming from a 2019 incident where she purportedly failed to return a rental vehicle. Her court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 10 in Mecklenburg County.
Remarkably, Womack’s legal issues surfaced during the latter stages of her campaign, including a moment when officials served her with a felony summons at a public event.
As recorded in court documents, she allegedly did not return a 2019 Toyota Corolla rented from Budget Car Rental by the designated return date of October 23, 2019. The vehicle was valued at roughly $20,000, indicative of its market worth rather than the unreturned payment owed by Womack.
Black female Democrat Lakesha Womack, who just won North Carolina’s Congressional District 14, was just served a felony warrant for car theft
@rediceuncensored https://t.co/9KO0Lgb0LB
— JohnTitor17 (@JTitor17) November 6, 2026
Womack has been formally charged with felony failure to return a hired motor vehicle, classified as a Class H felony under North Carolina law.
The initial criminal summons was issued in January 2020 but was unfortunately not served until October 11, 2026, during a campaign event in Polk County.
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This revelation of her unresolved legal case coincided with the critical moments leading up to the election.
Despite these challenges, Womack secured her victory over Moore, obtaining approximately 51.1% of the vote in what was a notable flip of a Republican-held seat.
However, her election does not put her legal troubles to rest. North Carolina’s sentencing framework for a Class H felony ranges from several months to upwards of three years, influenced by factors concerning a defendant’s history.
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While a conviction would not automatically bar Womack from Congress, House ethics guidelines could impose significant limitations based on the case’s progression.
According to House Rule 23, members facing qualifying felony charges may have to step away from party leadership roles and committee assignments. Lawmakers found guilty of crimes that carry prison sentences of two years or more may also be required to refrain from voting or participating in committees.
Such restrictions are separate from expulsion, which requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Currently, Womack has not been convicted, and the charge is still pending resolution.
Womack has acknowledged that the rental car was returned past deadline but contests the wider implications of the criminal case. She has indicated that she was experiencing homelessness and health complications during that time, which she claims contributed to her not receiving official notice regarding the legal matter.
In a statement made amid her campaign, Womack spoke to the scrutiny surrounding her candidacy.
“In recent weeks, allegations against me have attracted considerable media attention and attack ads from Tim Moore’s supporters. Candidates for public office must be held accountable, and voters require transparency,” she expressed.
“Throughout this campaign, I have emphasized accountability and affordability. I believe all candidates and elected officials should be assessed by consistent standards, including their public service records and decisions made in office,” she added.
Womack also highlighted the necessity of due process in legal proceedings.
“Accountability must be based on facts and fairness rather than speculation,” she stated.
Currently, the Democrat has not provided a thorough explanation surrounding the circumstances of the rental vehicle issue.
Her ongoing legal issues present an unusual challenge for the incoming Democrat majority, which will witness the arrival of a member embroiled in unresolved felony allegations.
The ramifications on Womack’s responsibilities in Congress will rely on the progression of her legal case and the interpretation of House regulations.
Womack is set to take office on January 3, 2027, but her immediate focus must be her Nov. 10 court appearance linked to incidents from seven years prior.
