News
8 congressmen, 38 legislators face Super Tuesday challenges
Registered voters in the state this cycle will choose a US senator, all 14 US House representatives, one state Supreme Court judge and three appellate justices.
Opinion
Should NC reform its primary system? The case to return to 40% threshold
In a Carolina Journal poll conducted shortly after the November elections, 43% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the 2024 primaries, stating that they did not produce the best candidates for the general election. While 46% were satisfied and 10% were unsure, the significant level of dissatisfaction highlights potential issues within North Carolina’s primary system.
Opinion
Post-primary round-up of NC’s GOP congressional primaries
With the primary elections wrapped up Tuesday night, let’s take a look at some of the key GOP primaries for US House. Current Congressional Republicans cruise: Greg Murphy (NC-3), Virginia Foxx (NC-5), David Rouzer (NC-7), Richard Hudson (NC-9), and Chuck Edwards (NC-11) all faced little or nominal opposition in the primaries and the General Election...
News
Newcomer Laurie Buckhout wins CD-1 Republican Primary
Retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout bested two-time candidate Sandy Smith in North Carolina's First Congressional District Republican primary election. Buckhout will face Democrat incumbent Don Davis in the November general election.
Opinion
Close GOP races for Congress across North Carolina
While there are many important primaries across the state, the hottest races are in several newly drawn congressional districts likely to be won by the GOP nominees in the fall. Under new maps, North Carolina is expected to elect 10 Republicans to Congress and three Democrats, with one swing seat that could go either way....
Opinion
All eyes on GOP primary in NC-1, state’s only competitive congressional district
The sprawling, rural First Congressional District covers 22 counties, including Nash, Wayne, and Wilson. Not since 1883 has a Republican from North Carolina’s First District served in Congress. But the district is now rated as a toss up and will be North Carolina’s most competitive congressional district in the fall. NC-1 became a swing district...
Opinion
What we know after the close of candidate filing
Now that candidate filing period for the 2024 elections has closed, we now have a first glimpse at what the 2024 elections will look like in North Carolina. While the 2024 General Election is still more than 10 months off, candidates involved in critical primary contests, are now on a short clock. Once the holidays are...
Opinion
Redistricting again! What to watch for in 2023
The leaves are turning across North Carolina, altering our landscapes into kaleidoscopes of vibrant colors. It’s a wonderful time, enjoyed annually, and it is beautiful to watch. Unfortunately, North Carolina now has another annual tradition: redistricting. The resetting of political boundaries to adjust for population changes should happen only once a decade. However, North Carolina...
Opinion
National GOP fell short of expectations
The victors are crowing. The vanquished are moaning, or spinning, or deflecting blame. Pundits and campaign professionals are scouring the precinct-level results or exit polls for evidence that validates their strategies or proves their favorite theories. That’s all fine with me. I’ve long been fascinated with the art and science of campaigns myself, though as...
Opinion
Woodshed 2022 election predictions
U.S. Senate and State Supreme Court Races Ok folks. I have written about 75 articles and columns about the 2022 election. Here is my last before the results come in. Below are the long-awaited 2022 Woodshed election predictions. (Click here for what I will be watching on election night) U.S. Senate: Republican Ted Budd will...
News
State of the NC-1 race one month out
Much of the media's attention in North Carolina's 2022 U.S. congressional races has been on the open U.S. Senate seat and the N.C.-13 race, both of which appear to be tossups. But the N.C.-1 race in the state's rural northeast, between Republican Sandy Smith and Democrat state Sen. Don Davis, could also come down to the wire if Republicans have the "red-wave" election they are hoping for.
Opinion
Post-game primary report
North Carolina’s primary produced similar headlines across the state. Former President Trump’s influence in North Carolina clearly matters. However, there is much more to unpack in the primary post-game report. Overall, 758,000 people voted a GOP ballot in the primary election. That’s 146,000 more than the 612,000 who voted a Democrat ballot.
