A newly elected Democratic congresswoman is heading to court on a felony charge just days after defeating a Republican incumbent in one of North Carolina’s congressional races, raising questions about whether her legal troubles could interfere with her upcoming term in Washington.
LaKesha Womack, who defeated Republican Rep. Tim Moore in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, is scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg County District Court on November 10 over allegations involving a rental vehicle dating back to 2019.
The legal controversy followed Womack throughout the final weeks of her campaign, but voters ultimately elected her to Congress anyway.
According to court records described in the report, Womack allegedly failed to return a 2019 Toyota Corolla rented from Budget Car Rental by its scheduled return date of October 23, 2019.
The vehicle was valued at approximately $20,000, although that amount represents the estimated value of the car, not money Womack allegedly owed the rental company.
Prosecutors charged her with felony failure to return a hired motor vehicle, classified as a Class H felony under North Carolina law.
But perhaps the most unusual development occurred just weeks before Election Day.
Authorities reportedly served Womack with a felony criminal summons during a political gathering in Polk County on October 11, 2026.
The original summons had been issued in January 2020 but was returned unserved the following month.
More than six years later, the unresolved case resurfaced in the middle of Womack’s congressional campaign.
Despite the controversy, the Democrat went on to defeat Moore in Tuesday’s midterm elections, capturing approximately 51.1% of the vote compared with the Republican incumbent’s 48.9%.
The victory flipped a Republican-held congressional seat as Democrats secured control of the House of Representatives.
Moore, a former speaker of the North Carolina House, had previously won the district by a substantial margin in 2024.
However, Womack’s election victory did not resolve the criminal allegations against her.
Under North Carolina law, a Class H felony can carry a sentence ranging from several months to more than three years, depending on the defendant’s criminal history and other sentencing considerations.
A conviction would not automatically disqualify Womack from serving in Congress.
Nevertheless, the case could create complications involving her responsibilities as a member of the House.
Congressional ethics rules place restrictions on certain activities involving lawmakers facing qualifying felony proceedings or convictions.
Under the rules described in the report, members facing felony charges may be expected to step aside from committee or party leadership responsibilities, while certain felony convictions can trigger restrictions on voting and committee participation.
Those restrictions are separate from expulsion, which requires a two-thirds vote of the House.
Whether any limitations would apply to Womack remains unresolved.
The congresswoman-elect has disputed the broader allegations while acknowledging that she returned the rental vehicle late, per Trending Politics.
Womack previously explained that she experienced homelessness and a medical emergency around the time of the incident.
She also said those circumstances contributed to her not receiving notice of the criminal proceedings.
During her campaign, Womack criticized the attention surrounding the case, arguing that accountability should be based on evidence rather than political attacks.
“Candidates for public office should be held accountable and voters deserve transparency,” she said in a statement.
She also acknowledged criticism from political advertising associated with supporters of her Republican opponent.
Womack emphasized that elected officials should be judged by consistent standards, including their records of public service and responsiveness to constituents.
“Accountability, however, must be grounded in facts, fairness, and due process rather than speculation or sensationalism,” she added.
The Democrat has not publicly provided a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the rental vehicle dispute.
For now, the felony charge remains pending, and Womack has not been convicted of a crime.
Her upcoming court appearance could provide additional information about the case and its potential consequences.
The situation presents an unusual challenge for House Democrats as they prepare to assume their new majority in January.
Womack is scheduled to take office on January 3, 2027, joining Congress after defeating an established Republican incumbent.
But before she arrives in Washington, she must confront a legal dispute that began nearly seven years ago.
Her next major date is November 10, when the newly elected Democrat is expected to appear in court as the unresolved felony case moves forward.
