Ballot recounts in the consequential primary between Rockingham Sheriff Sam Page and North Carolina state Senate leader Phil Berger resulted in no change in the challenger’s 23-vote lead over Berger.
All in Politics
Kristen Bell: North Carolina Must Prioritize Housing Reform
Affordability challenges and the skyrocketing cost of living are burdens felt by millions of Americans. Nowadays, Americans are opting to relocate to urban areas that offer access to more affordable neighborhoods, thriving public schools, and extensive infrastructure. According to a January 27 article in the News & Observer, North Carolina added nearly 150,000 new residents last year – behind only Texas and Florida. Are we prepared for such an influx?
John Hood: Economic Progress Isn’t Confined to Cities
RALEIGH — The Triangle and Charlotte regions are among the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. But they are hardly the only North Carolina communities with expanding economies. Indeed, a new study from the state Department of Commerce shows that over the past decade and a half, 90 of our 100 counties have outperformed the national average.
NC Sen. Berger files four election protests, arguing some voters received wrong ballots
His opponent, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, says the 13 ballots challenged wouldn’t change the outcome of the race.
Berger challenges narrow loss in Senate primary with recount, voter protests
Republican state Sen. Phil Berger is contesting the outcome of his primary race for North Carolina Senate District 26 after finishing behind Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by 23 votes.
Berger campaign accuses Democrats of interfering in his primary
The campaign lashed out at progressive groups, alleging they were boosting Berger’s opponent in an effort to oust the state Senate’s top Republican.
Governor Stein Kicks Off Rural Listening Tour
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein kicked off his rural listening session series. He met with business leaders, local elected officials, and other leaders to hear their concerns and discuss priorities for strengthening their communities. Governor Stein also stopped by Flavors on Main in Marion to meet with the owners and learn about their experience.
John Hood: When War First Came to Fayetteville
RALEIGH — A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to speak at a ceremony honoring those who fought at the first major southern engagement in the American War of Independence. Our commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge on February 27 was part of a broader First in Freedom Festival, which I’m pleased to report attracted thousands of people to tours, presentations, reenactments, and other events throughout the greater Wilmington area.
State Emergency Response Team Preparing for Severe Weather Threat
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein and state officials are asking all North Carolinians to prepare for severe weather because a rare Level 4 Moderate Risk has been issued by the National Weather Service. The primary threats with this storm system are damaging wind gusts of 74 mph or higher, large hail, and tornadoes.
John Hood: Social Disconnection Is Everyone’s Problem
RALEIGH — I have a large and loving family, many cherished friends and colleagues, daily opportunities for meaningful work and enjoyable play, and countless other blessings. Still, on occasion, I feel lonely and disconnected.
Andy Ellen: America's Manufacturing Renaissance Starts in Towns Like Wilson, NC
As a retail association representing thousands of small business owners across North Carolina, we understand firsthand that what truly drives local prosperity are well-paying jobs, everyday purchases at hometown stores and long-term investments in communities that set them up for future economic growth.
That’s why the recent $37 million investment in the manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, by Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) is so important—not just for Wilson, but for retailers and consumers across our state.
State Leaders Form Blue Ribbon Education Commission
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein, President Pro Tem Phil Berger, and Speaker of the House Destin Hall announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education.
John Hood: Budget Writers Shouldn’t Hope for Miracles
RALEIGH — During the just-completed primary campaigns for North Carolina General Assembly, you may have heard one or more candidates say that state government is currently operating without a budget. That is not, strictly speaking, true.
NC Speaker's Office Responds to Governor's Latest Budget Requests
Raleigh, NC — Today, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall's Office responded to Governor Josh Stein’s latest budget requests.
Peter J. Pitts: North Carolina Gives Non-profit Hospitals Billions in Tax Breaks. Are Patients Getting Anything in Return?
North Carolina’s non-profit hospitals occupy a privileged position in the state’s healthcare system. In exchange for their charitable mission, they receive sweeping tax advantages including exemptions from federal, state, and local taxes, access to tax-exempt financing, and eligibility for tax-deductible donations. These benefits are not symbolic. They represent a substantial public investment.
Budd, Warnock Introduce Bill to Create Task Force to Reform the Deployment of Federal Disaster Aid
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (R-Ga.) introduced the bipartisan Disaster Recovery Improvement Act this week to establish the Disaster Recovery Improvement Task Force.
Leader Reives Statement on Election Oversight
“As election workers across the state continue their work ensuring that voters have their ballots accurately counted, North Carolinians need to be able to trust the process is unfolding without any partisan interference.
State Auditor Announces Replacement of State Board of Elections Member
RALEIGH, N.C. — State Auditor Dave Boliek has announced that Angela Hawkins will replace Bob Rucho on the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Bob Rucho informed State Auditor Boliek of his resignation this morning.
Budd, Coons Lead Bipartisan Coalition to Reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) lead a bipartisan coalition including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing legislation to reauthorize the independent, bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today. The bipartisan bill would ensure the commission, set to expire on September 30, 2026, can continue its work to monitor religious freedom around the world.
Leader Reives Statement on Primary Election
Tonight, North Carolinians in communities across the state made their voices heard at the ballot box. This midterm election in November has profound implications for the direction of North Carolina and our country.