WUNC Politics

For the final installment of our Down The Ballot series, we’re turning to the races for state legislature. The district lines drawn by GOP lawmakers will virtually ensure that Republicans keep at least a majority in the House and Senate. But if Democrat Josh Stein wins the governor’s race, the outcome of the race for a legislative supermajority will determine the policy direction of the state for the next two years. If Democrats can flip seats in either or both chambers, a veto from Stein could stop GOP legislation. One of the N.C. House races that will determine that power dynamic is in the Wilson area, where Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot is defending a seat he flipped from Democrats two years ago. WUNC spoke with Fontenot and his Democratic opponent, Dante Pittman, about the key issues in the race and why the district is so competitive.

This week on our Down The Ballot series, we’re taking a look at the only one of North Carolina’s 14 congressional districts that has a close election this year. First-term Democratic Congressman Don Davis is defending his seat in a district that state lawmakers redrew to give Republicans a slightly better shot at winning. Retired Army Colonel and political newcomer Laurie Buckhout of Edenton is the GOP nominee for the 1st Congressional District, which includes about 20 counties in the state’s northeastern corner, from Henderson and Goldsboro east to Corolla on the Outer Banks.  A spokesman for Buckhout declined to make her available for an interview with WUNC, citing scheduling constraints. But Davis spoke with WUNC about the key issues in the race and what he’s done in nearly two years in Congress. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

We’re talking to candidates for key races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. This week, we’re taking a look at the race for governor. While the Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, hasn’t responded to multiple interview requests from WUNC, Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii sat down this week with the Democrat, Attorney General Josh Stein. Stein, who served in the state Senate before he was elected AG in 2016, talked about the contrasts in the campaign and how he’d approach the job opposite a powerful legislature that’s expected to remain under GOP control. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

We’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. Next up: The race for insurance commissioner.  The insurance commissioner gets the final say on whether insurance companies can raise the rates you pay for home and auto insurance. And this year’s election for the position comes amid a proposed 42% average homeowners insurance premium hike. The commissioner also oversees insurance fraud and consumer protection work at the agency. WUNC spoke with the Republican incumbent, Commissioner Mike Causey, and his opponent, Democratic state Sen. Natasha Marcus, about their views on the insurance rate increase process and other issues facing the department. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

Here's a midweek bonus episode from another great WUNC podcast, The Broadside: This year, a record $12.3 billion will be spent on US political campaigns. The majority of that is earmarked for political advertising, particularly in battleground states like North Carolina. But where does that money go, and what exactly does it buy? The answers might surprise and alarm you. Featuring: Colin Campbell, Capitol Bureau Chief at North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC Frank Eaton, ad maker and political consultant Brian Lewis, co-host of the Do Politics Better podcast, lobbyist and principal at New Frame

We’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. Next up: The race for attorney general. North Carolina’s attorney general is a key – and powerful – position in the state. In addition to being the state’s top lawyer, it’s also been a launch pad to the governor’s office. Gov. Roy Cooper had the job for 16 years, and the current occupant of the office – Josh Stein – is the leading candidate to become the next governor. That’s part of why this year’s race for Attorney General is drawing two Congressmen, Democrat Jeff Jackson and Republican Dan Bishop, and millions of dollars in campaign spending. WUNC's Rusty Jacobs spoke with Jackson about his campaign; Bishop cancelled scheduled interviews with WUNC but this episode includes clips of his comments. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

We’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. Next up: The race for state auditor. The office audits state agencies from the governor’s administration down to small town halls, ferreting out waste and misspent tax dollars. Republican Dave Boliek, an attorney and UNC-Chapel Hill trustee, is challenging Democrat Jessica Holmes, who was appointed to the role last year after the resignation of longtime auditor Beth Wood. WUNC spoke to both candidates about their differing views on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, the need to audit the DMV, and how to approach the work of state government's watchdog. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

We’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. Next up: The race for superintendent of public instruction. Current Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt lost in a surprise upset in the March Republican primary to Michele Morrow, a nurse and mom who homeschools her kids. Morrow quickly faced criticism for old social media posts calling for former President Barack Obama and other Democrats to be publicly executed for treason. Her candidacy is a big contrast with the Democratic candidate, Mo Green, who’s been a longtime administrator in some of the state’s largest public school districts. WUNC’s Education Reporter Liz Schlemmer sat down with both candidates to talk about their views on public schools and the future of the state Department of Public Instruction.  Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here to read more from the Down The Ballot series.

As the election grows closer, we’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. You can also read more about the candidates in the weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter. Next up in the series: the race for a seat on the NC Supreme Court. Republicans currently hold a 5-to-2 majority on the highest court, and they’re looking to unseat incumbent Justice Allison Riggs to leave just one Democrat on the court. Democrats hope to get Riggs elected to a full eight-year term over her challenger, Republican Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin. Both Griffin and Riggs spoke with WUNC's Colin Campbell about their judicial philosophies, professional experience and an abortion-related issue that has come up in the race. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

As the election grows closer, we’re talking to candidates for key downballot races on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. You can also read more about the candidates in the weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter. Next up in the series: the race for lieutenant governor. With current Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson running for governor, Democratic state Sen. Rachel Hunt will face longtime Republican political staffer and election integrity organization founder Hal Weatherman for the open seat. The two candidates have stark differences on how they view abortion, education funding, elections administration and other issues. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

As the election grows closer, we’re talking to candidates for key downballot races in the coming weeks on the WUNC Politics Podcast as part of our Down The Ballot series. You can also read more about the candidates in the weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter. First up in the series: the race for state treasurer. Two-term State Treasurer Dale Folwell’s decision to step down will mean a fresh face in an important financial role for state employees, and both Republican Brad Briner and Democratic candidate Wesley Harris are calling for big changes in how the state runs its pension fund for retired employees. Both candidates also see looming challenges for state employee healthcare and for local government finances overseen by the treasurer’s office. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

With all the news swirling this week about the presidential campaign and the possibility of Gov. Roy Cooper as a vice presidential candidate, we’re bringing you a segment from WUNC’s Due South. Host Jeff Tiberii spoke with Western Carolina University political scientist Chris Cooper and WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell about where things stand and what Cooper would bring to the race. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

North Carolina law makes it extremely hard to run for office if you’re not willing to register as a Republican or Democrat and go through the party primary process. This year though, an unaffiliated candidate for Congress has made it onto the ballot for the first time in memory. Shelane Etchison is an Army veteran who served in special forces units in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, and she's running in the 9th District against incumbent Republican Congressman Richard Hudson. She speaks with WUNC's Colin Campbell about her petition drive to get on the ballot and the issues she's campaigning on. Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

Thanks to a budget provision last year, state lawmakers can now deny the public access to their emails, documents and other records that most other branches of state government are required to release. That move toward secrecy is just one of many transparency concerns at the legislature. A few weeks ago, Democrats in the legislature filed a proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee public access to government records. One of the amendment's sponsors, Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, joins WUNC's Colin Campbell to discuss the proposal along with a wide range of issues that make it difficult for the public to keep track of legislative action. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

Members of the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina recently visited the state legislature to push for a House bill that would grant them formal state recognition as an American Indian tribe. They've been fighting for the benefits provided to other tribes for decades, and the history of conflict stretches back centuries to the 1700s war between Tuscarora ancestors and British colonists. House Speaker Tim Moore says the recognition bill is unlikely to move forward, in part due to opposition from the Lumbee Tribe, the Tuscarora Nation's neighbors in Robeson County. To learn more about the Tuscarora Indians and their push for state recognition, WUNC's Colin Campbell spoke with Rahnàwakęw Donnie McDowell, the Tuscaroras' public relations officer.  Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

Polls will once again open all across North Carolina on Tuesday, May 14. But with mostly down-ballot races on the ballot, will Republican primaries be decided by a tiny number of voters? Political scientist Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University shares some turnout trends and other dynamics for North Carolina’s rare runoff primaries with WUNC's Colin Campbell. And we hear from the two Republican candidates for state auditor, Jack Clark and Dave Boliek, who offer contrasting backgrounds and visions for an important state government watchdog role. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

State lawmakers are back in Raleigh to begin what’s known as the short session – several months in which they’ll make adjustments to the state budget for the upcoming year and consider a variety of other legislation that didn’t make it across the finish line in the 2023 long session. One of the biggest partisan battles is likely to be over education funding: How much of the state's projected revenue surplus will go to public schools, and how much will address high demand for private school vouchers? Will the state address the funding cliff that childcare centers are experiencing as federal pandemic money expires? To sort through the issues facing lawmakers, WUNC's Colin Campbell spoke with Sen. Gale Adcock, D-Wake. Adcock, a longtime nurse practitioner, also discusses the state's healthcare policy needs in the months following the expansion of the Medicaid program. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

Rodney Pierce, a middle school social studies teacher from Roanoke Rapids, narrowly defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Michael Wray in last month's Democratic primary. He campaigned with what he describes as an effort to "educate" voters about Wray's record in the N.C. House of voting with Republicans. Because no Republicans filed for the seat, Pierce will represent majority Black Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties in the legislature next year. Pierce spoke with WUNC's Colin Campbell about his goals to address economic development in an area he calls North Carolina's "Neglected Northeast," as well as how he mounted a successful primary campaign. He also discussed the challenges rural schools are facing and how his candidacy became a civics lesson for his students. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

Wyatt Gable, a 21-year-old student at East Carolina University, unseated 10-term Republican Rep. George Cleveland of Jacksonville, who’s in his 80s and is one of the oldest members of the state House. Gable will face Democrat Carmen Spicer in November, but House District 14 leans heavily conservative and he’s likely to become the youngest member of the state legislature next year.  Gable spoke with WUNC's Colin Campbell about how he won a surprise victory in the primary and how to get more young people involved in politics. He also explained the issues he wants to prioritize. He wants North Carolina’s education system to better prepare young people for a tough economy, and he wants to see stronger oversight of major road projects. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.

The results are in for the 2024 North Carolina primary -- and while some of the top-tier races ended up where everyone expected, there were some big surprises further down the ballot, as well as some races that won't get resolved until a runoff election in May. WUNC's Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell sorts through the results in a late-night conversation with host Will Michaels, then joins other panelists on "Due South" with host Jeff Tiberii to discuss the takeaways and look ahead toward the general election.

Voters in this year's primary will have a few new things to get used to. After years of legal wrangling, photo IDs are required to vote, but there's a process in place for voters who show up without one. And voters looking to use mail-in absentee ballots need to be aware of earlier deadlines. WUNC's voting and election integrity reporter, Rusty Jacobs, joins Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to explain what voters need to know as they participate in a big election year.

Voters in this year's Republican primary will decide whether they want Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson or one of his opponents as their nominee for governor. And elsewhere on the ballot, races for lieutenant governor, Council of State and open congressional seats have drawn a large number of Republican candidates. Candidates spending their personal fortunes on TV ads could have an impact on who wins. To sort through all the races to watch on the GOP side, WUNC spoke with N.C. Rep. Erin Paré, R-Wake, and Anna Beavon Gravely, a political analyst and former executive director of NC FREE. Paré also discusses her decision to switch races from Congress to N.C. House because of the likely cost of running in a crowded congressional primary.

As North Carolina’s March 5 primary looms, there’s not much competition at the presidential level on the Democratic side. President Joe Biden will be the only name on the ballot here, but there are plenty of races worth watching further down the Democratic Party ballot for governor, Council of State and legislative seats. Will low turnout lead to some surprise results? Will votes in support of Republican legislation cost several incumbent Democrats their seats in the state House and Senate? To sort through the Democratic primary ballot, WUNC spoke with Sen. Graig Meyer, D-Orange, and Kimberly Reynolds, former executive director of North Carolina Democratic Party and a partner in the consulting firm Maven Strategies.

This episode is the sixth installment in our Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. One of the state’s only cryptocurrency mining operations is located a few miles outside Murphy at North Carolina’s far-western tip – and it’s driving the neighbors crazy. Even at a house a mile away, the sound can make it seem like you're next to a busy freeway. It comes from massive computer servers that are running the complex computations needed to power cryptocurrency. The out-of-state companies were drawn here by cheap electricity and a lack of zoning restrictions, forcing the leaders of Cherokee County to balance their conservative love of unfettered property rights with the need to address a modern nuisance. To learn more about how Murphy and Cherokee County are charting a future that brings more tourists while keeping out noisy cryptomines, WUNC spoke with County Commissioner Ben Adams.

This episode is the fifth installment in our Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. Dozens of small towns across North Carolina are struggling to replace aging, often failing water and sewer infrastructure. The upgrades are needed to attract industry and residents back to places where textile and manufacturing plants have closed down.  The tiny town of Star in Montgomery County, near Asheboro, is leading the way in addressing the problem -- securing more than $35 million in state and federal funds to replace water lines that break often as well as its water tower and sewer treatment plant. To hear more about Star's plans for what its leaders hope will be a bright future, powered in part by an arts complex, WUNC spoke with Star Mayor Bill Hudson and Town Commissioner Ray Mims.

This episode is the fourth installment in our Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is based in the small town of Pembroke, and this corner of Robeson County has one of the highest concentrations of American Indians in the state. The Lumbee Tribe is also a considerable political force across Robeson – and it’s had to fight hard throughout its history to gain that political power. In recent years, many Lumbees have helped shift Robeson County politically from a place with a reliable majority for the Democratic Party to a county that largely supports Republicans.  To understand why, WUNC spoke with N.C. Rep. Jarrod Lowery, a Republican who is the state's only American Indian legislator. Lowery discusses how the push for Lumbee federal recognition in Congress and political parties' shifting presence in Robeson County played a part in the change.

This episode is the third installment in our new Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. When Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina in 2016, every business on Main Street in the small Columbus County town of Fair Bluff was underwater. A few had reopened by 2018 when Hurricane Florence brought a repeat of the same flood damage.  Mayor Billy Hammond and other town leaders ultimately came up with a dramatic plan to address the issue: Build a whole new downtown-style commercial district a few blocks up the street on higher ground. To hear more about Fair Bluff's plans for a flood-proof future, and how it hopes to make its close proximity to the Lumber River an asset, WUNC spoke with Hammond and Town Manager Al Leonard.

This is the second installment in our new Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. In the coming months, we’ll be visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the positives going on in their towns, and the challenges they face, from population loss to flooding to aging utility infrastructure.  East of Raleigh, the once sleepy suburb of Wendell ranked as the fastest-growing town in North Carolina between 2020 and 2021, with a population that increased by 16% in a single year. Signs of growth are everywhere you look in the Wake County town. It’s a prime example of what the rapid growth of North Carolina’s metro areas means for the once sleepy towns on their outskirts. To learn more about why Wendell is suddenly one of the state’s fastest-growing towns, and the challenges that brings, WUNC spoke with Mayor Virginia Gray and Mayor Pro Tem Jason Joyner.

This is the first installment in our new Main Street NC series from the WUNC Politics Podcast. In the coming months, we’ll be visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the positives going on in their towns, and the challenges they face, from population loss to flooding to aging utility infrastructure. Our first stop is the Bertie County towns of Aulander and Lewiston Woodville. Lewiston Woodville Mayor Chris Cordon and recently retired Aulander Mayor Larry Drew discuss the causes of population loss and how it impacts their towns. Both share their optimism about the future of the Bertie communities and what it will take to bring growth and prosperity back to one of North Carolina's poorest, most diverse regions.

The state legislature wrapped up votes this week on new Congressional and state House and Senate district maps. The maps make it likely that Republicans will add three or four seats in Congress, while solidifying potential veto-proof majorities in the legislature. But with lawsuits looming over the maps, the fight isn't over.  Senate Minority Whip Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss his concerns about racial and partisan gerrymandering in the districts, as well as the likely legal issues at stake. Chaudhuri also previews what Democrats see as their prospects and strategy for the 2024 election with GOP-advantage maps.

Most of the focus at the state legislature this week was on the vetoed bills that change the rules for elections and take appointment powers away from the governor. But two other veto overrides got less attention – in part because the “regulatory reform” and “clean energy” bills are so complicated. Grady O’Brien of the North Carolina Conservation Network joins WUNC’s Colin Campbell to dig into the details — from a shift toward more nuclear power to efforts to pave the way for a new natural gas pipeline.

A high-drama week at the North Carolina legislature brought quick action on an overdue state budget, following a decision by Republican leaders to drop a proposal to add four new casinos in rural counties. Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, shares her thoughts on the budget — and its non-monetary policy provisions — with WUNC’s Colin Campbell. She also provides a look behind the scenes at how the budget process works for legislators from the minority party. Then Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page joins to talk about his opposition to the casino idea. Page is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor who serves a county where one of the casinos would be.

State House lawmakers advanced a 39-page rewrite of North Carolina’s alcohol laws this week. The bill includes major changes to how liquor is sold at restaurants, bars and ABC stores. To sort through the details, Lynn Minges of the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association joins WUNC’s Colin Campbell. She discusses the economic value of happy hour and cocktails to-go for restaurants and bars, as well as some of the quirky aspects of the state’s alcohol regulations that make it harder for hospitality businesses to get the products they need.

A hectic one-day session at the legislature resulted in six veto overrides and an effort to weaken the governor’s appointment powers — but no state budget deal. To sort through the action, Senate Majority Whip Jim Perry, R-Lenoir, chats with WUNC’s Colin Campbell. Perry also discusses loan legislation he sponsored that got vetoed, as well as his proposals to change the office of state fire marshal and keep lobbyists off the UNC Board of Governors. And he weighs in on the state’s east-west barbecue debate.

With the passage of a state budget delayed until September, Democrats in the legislature are increasingly impatient with Republican leaders’ slow progress in wrapping up this year’s long session. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, D-Chatham, talks with WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell about the impacts on state employees and Medicaid expansion. Plus, he discusses his bipartisan work on economic development, controversy over voter ID implementation, rural broadband policy, and how the GOP supermajority has shifted the dynamic on Jones Street.

Before Phil Berger was considered the most powerful politician in the state, Democratic Sen. Marc Basnight of Manteo held the same position from 1993 to 2010. Basnight, who died in 2020, was a big advocate for the Outer Banks, and he used his role to help build the tourism juggernaut we have today in that corner of the state. Author Clark Twiddy’s new book, “Outer Banks Visionaries: Building North Carolina’s Oceanfront,” looks at that legacy. He joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss Basnight and the book.

North Carolina’s state budget is now three weeks overdue, and it’s likely August could be the earliest that a spending plan and state employee raises might be finalized. House Majority Leader John Bell, R-Wayne, joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to explain the delays. Bell also discusses the status of recently vetoed bills, proposed casino legislation, the slow recovery from hurricanes Matthew and Florence — and whether he’ll run for House speaker as Tim Moore wraps up his tenure in the post.

As the legislature starts to wind down, sweeping proposed changes to North Carolina elections are still on the table – and could have a big effect on the 2024 elections. Republicans want to shift appointment powers for the State Board of Elections, create an earlier deadline for mail-in ballots and make new regulations for early voting — all while elections officials are seeking more funding. WUNC political reporter Rusty Jacobs joins Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss where things stand and what it could all mean next year.

Primaries for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general are already attracting plenty of candidates — and potential candidates. To help us sort through who’s running and how the campaigns will play out, as well as how much they’ll cost, WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell is joined by longtime political consultant Brad Crone and Anna Beavon Gravely of NCFREE, a nonpartisan research organization. They discuss the impact of Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan’s potential candidacy for governor, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s prospects in the Republican primary, and who might seek the role of attorney general, or “aspiring governor” as it’s sometimes known.

It’s been a busy week at the state legislature as we enter what might be the final weeks of this year’s long session. Dozens of bills have passed the House and Senate in the past week alone, and many of them haven’t gotten much attention. To catch up on the noteworthy bills many of us missed, North Carolina Tribune Editor Ray Gronberg joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss everything from new HOA regulations to a legislative effort to attract a TV or film production to the Charlotte areas.

Bills restricting transgender sports participation and access to healthcare are nearing final passage at the North Carolina legislature, but none of the 170 lawmakers who will decide their fate are transgender themselves. Transgender advocate and Iraq War veteran Vivian Taylor joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss her perspective on what the legislation will mean for trans North Carolinians. She also talks about how the current national political climate on transgender issues compares to what North Carolina saw in the wake of the House Bill 2 “bathroom bill” controversy. And she offers her recommendation on a place worth visiting in her home county of Stanly.

Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, is one of the N.C. House’s closely watched moderate Democrats this session — a veteran lawmaker who sometimes crosses party lines on key issues, something that could make a difference on veto overrides this year. Pierce joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to explain his thinking on issues like transgender athlete restrictions, election law changes and more. And he talks about his bills to improve the foster care system and prevent a name change at Fayetteville State University, as well as his thoughts on how his party can win elections in rural areas.

N.C. House and Senate budget writers are negotiating how much state workers will get in raises — at a time when nearly a quarter of positions in state government are vacant. The House has proposed a 4.25% raise starting in July, while the Senate prefers 2.5%. The State Employees Association of North Carolina is lobbying for a larger amount. SEANC executive director Ardis Watkins and Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson join WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to talk about raise proposals and the impact of staffing shortages on government services. Dobson also discusses how the shortage at his agency could impact workplace safety, and he explains his decision not to seek a second term next year.

N.C. House Republicans are meeting soon to discuss whether they’ll pass a Senate bill to legalize medical marijuana. Senate Rules Chairman Bill Rabon is leading the charge, hoping his personal experience using marijuana to survive colon cancer treatments can persuade his GOP colleagues. Rabon, along with bipartisan bill co-sponsors — Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, and Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover — join WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to discuss the details of their proposal and what legalized medical marijuana would look like in North Carolina.

The N.C. Senate’s budget is approved, setting up negotiations with the House over tax cuts and how much state employees will get in their paychecks. But the budget debate was overshadowed by this week’s veto override on new abortion restrictions. Sen. Kandie Smith, D-Pitt, joins WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell to sort through a busy week at the legislature. Smith also talks about her bill to add video streaming in the Senate and her bipartisan legislation to find alternatives to jail for people who fall behind on child support. And she shares some tips on barbecue in the Greenville area.

State legislators are considering how to spend about $1 billion in federal funding to address mental health care. Sen. Jim Burgin, R-Harnett, co-chairs health committees in the Senate and talks with WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell about his ideas for fixing mental health. Burgin also discusses new patient protection measures for hospital mergers and sales that he’s proposing with Attorney General Josh Stein. And he explains why he wants a Legislative Reform Commission to consider changing lawmaker pay and session lengths.

North Carolina’s legislature passed more than 100 different bills this week as it rushed to reach a “crossover” deadline. The agenda included several controversial pieces of conservative social legislation: A ban on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, a ban on gender transition surgery for people under 18, and a repeal of the state’s concealed-carry gun permit requirements. To sort through the hectic action, WUNC’s Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell spoke with Hannah Schoenbaum, political reporter for The Associated Press, and Dawn Vaughan, Capitol bureau chief for The News & Observer. The trio of journalists also point out noteworthy bills that escaped attention on crossover week.

A shift to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles has left North Carolina with a shortage of revenue to pay for roads and other transportation needs — even as the state’s population booms and traffic gets worse. WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell talks with Sen. Mike Woodard, D-Durham, about a bipartisan effort to find new sources of revenue to replace the gas tax. Woodard also discusses his proposal to address what he calls “one of the stingiest” unemployment benefit programs in the country, as well as this week’s legislative developments on private school vouchers and gun violence prevention measures. And he explains why Durham County’s Bahama community isn’t pronounced the way you might expect.

N.C. House Republicans are getting close to a consensus on how they’ll approach new abortion restrictions, medical marijuana legislation and private school vouchers. Speaker Tim Moore chats with WUNC’s Colin Campbell about where things stand and what to expect in the final months of the legislative session. And he shares details about his unusual trip to Ukraine during the legislature’s spring break.

Rep. Maria Cervania, D-Wake, is one of the first two Asian American women to be elected to the North Carolina legislature. She talks with WUNC’s Colin Campbell about why that representation is important, and why she’s creating a new Asian American Pacific Islander caucus. Cervania also discusses her opposition to legislation requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, her bill to increase funding to combat e-cigarette use in teens, and her thoughts on Gov. Roy Cooper’s role in the House Democratic Caucus.

Days after Rep. Tricia Cotham cited personal attacks as part of her decision to switch to the Republican Party, state Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, shares his thoughts on today’s bitter political environment with WUNC Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell. Saine also talks about the highlights of the newly approved House budget, whether the favorable political landscape for sports betting could lead to casinos, and how the tiny crossroads community of Cat Square got its name.

State lawmakers are easing into their months-long session with bill filings, press conferences and committee meetings. Among the items on the horizon are budgets, abortion regulations and mental health funding. State Representative John Bell IV (R-Wayne), Senator Sydney Batch (D-Wake) and Rose Hoban, founder and editor at NC Health News, all share expectations for this legislative session. And later, Capitol Bureau Chief Jeff Tiberii signs off, with some reflections following eight years on the political beat.

There was, a lot, that happened in state politics across the last 12 months: Redistricting fights, budget deals, a landmark Leandro ruling, a primary was delayed, Congressman Cawthorn and Governor McCrory suffered bad defeats, Roe was upended, and neither Medicaid nor sports gambling was yet expanded. In a review of 2022, Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer think back on the year, dole out some coal, and reflect on the departures of three long-serving members of Congress.

After losing every statewide race during the November midterm, Democrats are licking their wounds and considering what they should do next. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, a number of progressives discuss what the party can do better, policy worth pursuing, and who might be the face of their efforts.

This week in state politics, a major redistricting case landed before the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, power turned back on and a curfew was lifted in Moore County, where gunfire vandalism to two substations left many in the dark. Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discuss those stories, as well as what to make of the comprising role Senator Thom Tillis has carved out for himself on Capitol Hill.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in a case from North Carolina – Moore v. Harper. The case stems from congressional redistricting that began a year ago. At the heart of the argument from North Carolina Republican lawmakers is something called the independent state legislature theory. In practice, it holds the potential to significantly upend who has power of federal election administration. On this episode of the Politics Podcast, Jeff talks with Charles Stewart, political science professor at MIT, and Evan Caminker, counsel to the Conference of Chief Justices, about the validity of the ISL doctrine.

This week in North Carolina politics, rank-and-file Republican state lawmakers again threw their support behind a couple of well-known leaders. On Capitol Hill, Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis voted with Democrats on the Respect for Marriage Act. And next week, the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case with the potential to significantly alter federal elections. In our weekly review, Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer discuss the details.

The landscape of a post-Roe world is still taking shape. There are many questions lingering about access to reproductive healthcare, as well as personal information and online privacy. On this episode of The Politics Podcast Matt Perault, Director of the Center on Technology Policy at UNC Chapel Hill, details some of the policy inconsistencies and forecasts what could happen next.

While a red wave didn’t materialize nationally, conservatives in North Carolina found very favorable results. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, three analysts offer insight on the electorate, and where state and American politics may head next.

North Carolina’s election results were largely favorable to Republicans on Tuesday night. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discuss what influenced the outcomes, why down-ballot candidates performed well, and where each party has room for improvement.

Republicans had a strong night in North Carolina on Tuesday, winning all seven statewide contests, and securing one supermajority in the state Senate. However, they fell one seat shy of a second veto-proof majority in the state House. On this episode of WUNC’s Politics Podcast, Will Michaels and Jeff Tiberii breakdown what the new landscape means and what could happen next.

With just a few days before the polls close and the 2022 Midterm results are announced, Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer offer some expectations for Tuesday night and discuss what stood out in this election cycle. Meanwhile, Governor Roy Cooper has tapped former UNC System Presidents Margaret Spellings and Tom Ross to review appointment procedures, but is it a commission Republicans will cooperate with?

With Election Day looming, WUNC’s Jeff Tiberii talks with a mix of journalists, a political scientist, a strategist, and a leading House Republican. They offer takeaways on what race is the most important on the ballot and what they will be watching most closely on Tuesday night, as well as a possible headline for November 9.

A million ballots have now been cast in North Carolina. But what, if anything, does the early turnout tell us? And in Washington, D.C., many briefs were filed in a case out of North Carolina that SCOTUS will hear in December. Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discuss those stories in our weekly review of state politics.

Courtney Geels is running for the U.S. House of Representatives this midterm. Her chances of victory are exceedingly slim, yet the Republican is still campaigning with a purpose, hoping to pull off an upset of the century. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Geels discusses why she decided to run for Congress, what she has learned, and some of the issues most important to her.

This week, many continued to grieve following a horrific act in northeast Raleigh. With one-stop early voting underway, the proverbial political winds might have shifted. And, new details in the state’s incentives package that lured Apple to RTP. Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer discuss those stories in their review of the week in state politics.

Voters will decide two state Supreme Court races this midterm, with the results potentially shifting partisan control of the bench. The fact that North Carolina even has partisan judicial elections is uncommon. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Michael Crowell discusses some of the pitfalls for how our state handles judicial elections, and why these races are so important.

A new report details political meddling as part of the search for a new chancellor at UNC Wilmington. Meanwhile, there are concerning vacancy rates at one state agency. And is there any possible replacement for political debates? Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discuss all this in our weekly review of North Carolina politics.

This fall, voters in Wake County will decide whether to approve three bonds – totaling more than $1 billion – to support new public schools, major improvements to community college infrastructure, and an improvement to several Raleigh city parks. WUNC reporter Jason deBruyn details the ballot questions, and forecasts their chances of earning approval.

Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd meet Friday night for their only scheduled debate. The U.S. Senate hopefuls will try to land a memorable moment while avoiding any sort of gaff. Meanwhile, new reports detail the lack of success within two education initiatives. In our weekly discussion, Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer review some of the leading stories of the week.

Republicans already hold comfortable majorities in the state House. This fall, conservatives hope to expand their margins and avoid the threat of gubernatorial vetoes. With several Democrats playing defense, some races have turned heated, and increasingly expensive. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Jeff Tiberii lays out the battleground districts in the House.

With absentee voting underway and weeks until early voting begins, campaign advertisements are in full swing. In their weekly review of state politics, Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discuss photoshopping, using death for political gain, and how they are handling the endless solicitations this election cycle.

The most important battle on the North Carolina ballot this November is not an open U.S. Senate Seat, or even control of the state Supreme Court. But rather, a fight for supermajorities in the North Carolina General Assembly. In the state Senate, Republicans need to net two seats in order to achieve a veto-proof majority. On this episode of WUNC’s Politics Podcast, Jeff Tiberii discusses some of the legislative battleground districts.

Rockingham County Republican Phil Berger is the most influential elected official in North Carolina politics. He has presided over the state Senate since 2011 and overseen a historic shift in state government. Berger returns to The Politics Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation, including election strategy, the judiciary, and what could be done to reduce the political temperature in our country.

North Carolina lawmakers criticized the slow pace of a state office charged with rebuilding homes following Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Meanwhile, this week in state politics, the two major party candidates in an open U.S. Senate race agreed to an October debate. Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer discuss those stories, and also weigh-in on upcoming visits to the state by former President Donald Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In recent election cycles that results of political horserace polling has been deeply flawed. Pollsters have adjusted some of their methodology ahead of the 2022 Midterm, yet questions linger. And journalists continue to treat polls results like a sports scoreboard, even if the surveys are not designed to be predictive. On this episode of The Politics Podcast Scott Keeter, Senior Survey Analyst at Pew Research Center, and David McLennan, Director of the Meredith College Poll discuss recent lessons learned and what could be different this fall.

The North Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments in the decades-old Leandro case – again – last week. The litigation is all about public school funding in the state, and competing clauses within the state constitution. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, education reporter Liz Schlemmer reviews the hearing, forecasts some of the possible next steps, and reminds listeners what the practical impacts as for children.

A decades old legal challenge about the quality of public-school education landed before the state Supreme Court – again – this week. Meanwhile Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in Durham, however, one notable Democrat was no in attendance. Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield discusses those news events, as well as the North Carolina NAACP losing its tax-exempt status.

Among a number of interesting political races set to play out during this 2022 midterm, is an open congressional contest in the Triangle. And while plenty of money and attention will be spent in NC-13, the winner is hardly a homegrown candidate. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Meredith College Political Science Professor David McLennan discusses the state’s lone congressional race that is expected to be close this fall.

This week in state politics state Senate leader Phil Berger discussed the prospect of abortion legislation. Meanwhile one candidate for the NC General Assembly faces allegations that she doesn’t live in the district she hopes to serve. And the President eliminated some college debt, though a legal challenge could loom. Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer review on this episode of The Politics Podcast

With less than two months until early voting begins, campaign advertisements are increasing in frequency as attention turns toward the Midterm. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Rusty Jacobs speaks with GOP strategist Paul Shumaker, and Catawba College Political Science Professor Michael Bitzer about wedge issue, suburban voters, and a legislative supermajority that hangs in the balance.

The state Supreme Court halted two voter-backed constitutional amendments from taking effect on Friday, siding with an argument from the NAACP that a racially gerrymandered NC General Assembly lacks some legitimacy. Meanwhile, the Attorney General faces a criminal campaign investigation, and one Congressional hopeful may – or may not – know the difference between a department store and a development democracy. Clark Riemer and Rob Schofield seek to make some sense of this week’s state political news.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is in campaign mode. And although he’s not on the ballot this fall, the upcoming mid-term election will go a long way toward defining his political life – and that of the state itself – over the next two years. Cooper spoke with WUNC’s Rusty Jacobs earlier this week about the upcoming mid-terms and its importance in the debate over abortion.

Nearly two years after a campaign advertisement aired across the state, legal questions remain unanswered. Did the Attorney General’s campaign violate a near century-old law with a claim made during the ad? Will there be a prosecution? And what are the long-term political ramifications? On this episode of the Politics Podcast Raleigh News & Observer reporter Will Doran lays out what we know about an ongoing criminal investigation, and what might come next.

A notable number of North Carolina public school teachers are leaving. In Durham, one in five educators is departing, and other local districts are experiencing higher than usual turnover. On this episode of The Politics Podcast several teachers discuss their reasons for leaving the classroom, while others explain why they have stayed.

On Monday, Governor Roy Cooper signed a nearly $28 billion state budget into law. As is customary, a majority of the plan goes toward education. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, WUNC reporter Liz Schlemmer offers some analysis on the K-12 public education portion of the budget and what it means for educators and charter schools. Among the details: public school teachers will receive an average raise of 4.2%. Lawmakers have also doubled-down on investments in the Opportunity Scholarship program, pumping in an additional $500 million over the next seven years.

This week in North Carolina politics, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order related to abortion issues. Meanwhile, he did not yet act on the state budget, which the Legislature sent him a week ago. In our Friday review, Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer discuss those stories, America’s latest mass shooting, and the future of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Volunteers, staff and prospective candidates worked to secure thousands of signatures so that the Green Party would have a spot on the 2022 North Carolina ballot. However, a couple of hundred of signatures were deemed fraudulent. And last week the state Board of Elections voted not to certify the party. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Green Party member Matthew Hoh discusses how this happened and the challenges of a political system dominated by two parties.

This week in state politics, legislators debate a spending plan that sets aside billions, provides raises, and seeks to weather an inflation storm. Meanwhile, at the U.S. Supreme Court, four justices agreed to hear a challenge related to the independence – and unchecked power – of state legislatures. In our Friday review, Donna King of the conservative Carolina Journal and Rob Schofield from the progressive NC Policy Watch review.

Republican legislative leaders have come to a budget deal. The nearly $28 billion proposal is expected to receive bipartisan backing by the end of the week. However, it does not include Medicaid Expansion, likely leaving the Governor less than thrilled. Meanwhile the General Assembly short session is nearing a conclusion. WRAL Statehouse reporter Travis Fain stops by size up the session, and talk about some pieces of legislation that are going nowhere.

It was a busy week in Raleigh and on Capitol Hill. The NC General Assembly failed to advance a sports gambling measure, or some to any agreement on Medicaid expansion. Meanwhile the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a century-old gun law out of New York, as U.S. Senators approved a narrow set of gun reforms. Rob Schofield and Clark Riemer discuss in our weekly politics review. Note: this segment was recorded prior to the SCOTUS ruling ending the constitutional right to abortion

State lawmakers are considering two bills that would legalize mobile sports gambling across the state. If the measures become law it would put North Carolina in line with nearly two dozen other states, and potentially generate a few billion dollars in annual revenue. Still, it remains unclear if a deal will be brokered in the final weeks of the legislative session.

Tim Boyum has reported on North Carolina Politics for 20 years. He hosts a nightly TV program as well as a weekly podcast. Boyum discusses how he approaches a busy slate, overcoming some mental health challenges, and one exhilarating recent reporting trip, on this episode of The Politics Podcast from WUNC During the conversation Boyum discusses Frying Pan Tower, off the coast of North Carolina. You can learn more about his recent TV special here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/politics/2022/05/04/preserving-frying-pan-tower-

State Senators were busy in recent days as they approved several high-profile pieces of legislation. Meanwhile an environmental proposal filed in the House would punish corporations for dumping forever chemicals into watersheds. Yet it’s unclear if any of these bills will soon become law. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation and Rob Schofield with NC Policy Watch help review the week in state politics.

State senators have given approval to a plan that would expand Medicaid in North Carolina to some 600,000 people. North Carolina is just one of just 12 states that has yet to expand the federal health care program, which is administered by state agencies. The proposed expansion signals a major shift from some Republicans. The bill includes some notable provisions that are tangential to Medicaid. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Jason deBruyn offers analysis on what the bill seeks to do, and the impacts it could have.

Following another heart-breaking massacre came the latest reminder of a fractured political infrastructure. While nineteen children were murdered at an Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas it appears that policy changes in Raleigh, or Washington, remain a long shot. Meanwhile, the state’s most powerful politician does a major about face on Medicaid expansion. Rob Schofield and Donna King discuss the two significant stories from the week.

With the May primary complete, focus is turning toward November. There are efforts to engage and mobilize form both major political parties. However, Leslie Mac believe the Democratic party can do more to build relationships with new North Carolinians, Women of Color, and rural progressives.

The May Primary marked a significant end for two well known conservatives. Meanwhile, strong turnout was seen in several gerrymandered Congressional districts. And the General Assembly returns to Raleigh for its short session. Rob Schofield and Mitch Kokai review the week in state politics.

The mid-term primary has concluded with the ousting of a controversial Congressman, a clear conclusion in two progressive battles, and a path toward another intense, competitive and costly U.S. Senate race. On this episode of The Politics Podcast, Will Michaels chats with Jeff Tiberii about the results and the reasons behind them.