NC Dems in Congress honor political strategist who died in Memorial Day boating accident
Four Democratic representatives from North Carolina spoke on the U.S. House floor Wednesday to honor Conen Morgan, a political strategist and former president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, who died Sunday in a boating accident at age 42.
Morgan was a prominent political consultant who helped various candidates and causes on the local, state and federal level through his company, Longleaf Agency. State Rep. Abe Jones, a Raleigh Democrat, said in a House committee meeting Wednesday that Morgan had been his campaign manager.
Rep. Alma Adams, of Charlotte, was the first to memorialize Morgan at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. She explained his educational background, comparing him to a “Rube Goldberg machine,” because of his many different creative endeavors.
“Conen was an activist, a scientist,” Adams said. “He was a teacher, a graphic artist, an entrepreneur and occasionally did some politics too.”
She highlighted Morgan’s more than 30 years of service to the Science Olympiad and how he “gave back to the entire North Carolina community by empowering young minds to explore science and find wonder in the world.”
“His friends, his family, his political colleagues, and the tens of thousands of students he reached will all miss Conen’s smile, his laugh, his compassion and most of all his faith that if a kid like him could succeed, every kid in our state should have the education and the opportunities they need so they could succeed as well,” Adams said. “Rest in peace, Conen.”
Rep. Valerie Foushee, of Hillsborough, said Morgan had been her friend. She called him a “steadfast advocate for equity” and someone who “played a pivotal role in shaping North Carolina politics.”
“He was a remarkable human being and had the unique ability to inspire and touch the lives of everyone he encountered through his kindness, compassion and genuine care for others,” Foushee said. “Conen’s leadership, passion and tireless efforts will have a lasting impact and will leave a profound void in many folks across North Carolina that will be felt for years to come.”
Rep. Wiley Nickel, of Cary, used his time on the floor to speak about Morgan’s dedication to “fairness and equity,” saying that Morgan wanted “everyone to have access to the American dream.”
“He had an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks in life, bridging divides and fostering a sense of unity,” Nickel said.
Rep. Don Davis, of Snow Hill, touched on Morgan’s “hard work, determination and dedication” and the “positive impact” he had on people across the state.
“Conen was wise beyond his years and known for his knack and insights about our state and nation,” Davis said. “We will miss his warmth whenever he walked into a room and his infectious smile.”
North Carolina’s three remaining Democratic representatives in Congress did not speak. Rep. Jeff Jackson, of Charlotte, stood with Foushee as she spoke, but chose not to deliver remarks. Reps. Kathy Manning, of Greensboro, and Deborah Ross, of Raleigh, were not present. Ross tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday morning.
Memorial Day accident
On Monday, authorities reported a boating accident off the North Carolina coast. Three people were thrown into the ocean after their boat hit a wave. Two survived, but a third succumbed after reaching land, authorities said. The person was identified Tuesday as Morgan.
News of his death shook North Carolina’s political spheres. Many politicians, operatives and friends mourned Morgan’s death on Twitter and in interviews with The News & Observer.
“Sunup to sundown he was always working for people,” Courtney Crowder, one of Morgan’s longtime friends, told The N&O. “And I think the reason why this hurts so many people right now is because he was always available for everybody.”
Before his decades as a political strategist, Morgan was a graduate of Garner High School and N.C. State University. He played a key role in helping further the North Carolina Science Olympiad, first as a competitor and then as an event leader and award emcee. He was a recipient of the Dr. Jason L. Painter Distinguished Service Award in 2016.
Nationally, Morgan worked to link the faith community to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, contributing to the president’s victory. He also worked on both of former President Barack Obama’s election campaigns. In 1999, The N&O spoke with Morgan for an article on the success of Black students despite systemic challenges.
“The statistics say I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “But it’s not who you are, it is what you do that matters. I have decided that I will succeed.”
Morgan’s funeral arrangements
Representatives of Morgan’s family announced Thursday that his funeral would be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6 at the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh. Morgan’s family will receive guests starting at 10 a.m.
The family has encouraged people to send gifts in Morgan’s memory to the NC Science Olympiad instead of sending flowers. Morgan’s friends and family are also invited to share photo memories on his obituary page.
Reporter Anna Johnson contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 31, 2023 at 6:29 PM.
