RALEIGH -- A candidate for one of Raleigh's City Council seats is receiving negative comments on social media because of her religion.
Zainab Baloch, 26, says she started receiving the comments about her Muslim faith when she announced her run for one of the at-large council seats.
The Raleigh native says she is passionate about affordable housing and transporation and hopes voters will focus on her platform, not the religion she practices.
"I have to say contstantly, 'I am a Raleigh native.'" I really hone in on the fact that I was born and raised here, and I have never called any other country home. So when people say, 'Go back to where you came from,' I'm like, 'Well is that north Raleigh? Like where should I go?" said Baloch.
And some of her recent support is now coming from her fellow opponents in the race.
Candidate Robert Ward sent the following statement: "I appreciate the local media reaching out to me about this issue. Let me just state for the record Zainab Baloch is an honest energetic candidate whom I've had the pleasure of meeting during this election cycle. Anyone who attacks her based on her religion insults every candidate in the Raleigh municipal races. Like myself she is a Raleigh native & she is running on a campaign based in values and ethics.
I hope all at-large candidates will join me in condemning such attacks. Let's stick to the issues folks."
Candidate Nicole Stewart sent the following statement: "Raleigh is a city that welcomes all people, and that includes in positions of leadership. I stand with Zainab Baloch and all of our neighbors, regardless of their faith or beliefs. Our city's diversity only makes us stronger."
Candidate Rob Axtell sent the following statement: "Zainab Baloch is a passionate person regarding issues facing our city and the struggles of the people who live here. These comments are disgusting and have no place in a civil discussion about Raleigh. Raleigh welcomes everyone and I will continue to speak out against people that try to marginalize people. Some people hide behind social media and enjoy slinging arrows at people that take a stand. Call them out, be aggressive, fight back and demand they come out in person. Show them that Raleigh is a wonderful, diverse city. We are a city of all religions (or none at all), all races, all income levels, all sexual orientations and all physical/mental abilities. Everyone has a voice in this city and NEVER back down to bullies."
And Candidate Stacy Miller sent this statement: "This type of hate speech has no place in our city. As a community, we should not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind. I've enjoyed getting to know Zainab, and I hope comments like these do not deter her and others from getting involved in public service."