Annette Scippio, who once challenged Derwin Montgomery for a seat in the General Assembly, appears headed to take his place on the Winston-Salem City Council.
It marks the second time in two months that Democrats have had to select a person to fill an unexpired term.
Back in August, it was the state House seat of Ed Hanes, who had abruptly announced that he was stepping down.
Montgomery and Scippio were the only ones nominated to take his place. Montgomery, who has served nine years on the city council, had Hanes' endorsement. Scippio was a last-minute addition.
Montgomery ultimately prevailed. But taking the statehouse seat meant giving up the one he had on the council in a district long held by Democrats.
On Sunday, the party recommended Scippio as his replacement. That is subject to council approval. A vote will likely take place at their November meeting.