Braxton Winston II

Braxton Winston II is a father, union member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and previously served as an At-Large member and Mayor Pro Tem of Charlotte City Council until December 2023. Braxton was elected president of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO at our 68th Annual Convention in September 2025.

Braxton is a union stagehand and grip and a member of our state's robust sports television and entertainment production community. He takes immense pride in being a member of both IATSE Local 322 and Local 491. 

Braxton was born in Camp Lejeune, NC, where his father was stationed in the United States Marine Corps. His mother was a public school math teacher. After his father’s retirement from military service, the family relocated to Brooklyn, NY. As the child of a Marine and a teacher, the importance of education, public service, and a solid work ethic were ingrained in Braxton at an early age.

Braxton flourished academically in the New York City public school system and was enrolled in the demanding PREP 9 program. Braxton thrived at Phillips Academy Andover where he excelled in academics, arts, sports, and student government. At Davidson College he earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and was a two-time letterman on the football team.\

Braxton was first elected to public office in 2017 with a goal of developing Charlotte into a city that is more equitable, accessible, and interconnected, and he was re-elected twice. 

In 2024, Braxton ran as the Democratic Nominee for North Carolina's Commissioner of Labor to make North Carolina the number one state for business and workers, receiving 47.25% of the vote.