Presidential hopeful Sanders campaigns at CPCC

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made his first public appearances in North Carolina for his 2020 presidential bid as part of a long weekend traveling through the South.

The Vermont senator held outdoor rallies at midday Friday in Asheville and late in the afternoon in Charlotte.

More than 1,000 supporters showed up to see Banders at CPCC.

"With your help, we're going to win the Democratic primary," Sanders told the crowd.

The Asheville event will be held at the Salvage Station venue and the Charlotte event will be on the Central Piedmont Community College campus.

Sanders' talked about the need to restore voting rights, reform K-12 education, eliminate poverty and address environmental racism.

The Republican National Committee released a statement Friday:

“If Bernie Sanders’ advocacy for terrorist voting rights doesn’t frighten you enough, then his crushing $100+ trillion agenda that will cost taxpayers and grow our government exponentially will surely do the trick. While President Trump has provided relief to hardworking Americans, Sanders’ costly proposals will terrify them.”

Sanders' weekend tour also will take him to South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Associated Press