Tim Funk, Author at The Assembly NC

Michael Whatley’s ‘Party of Faith’ Has Problems At The Top

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley addresses an election integrity volunteer training group in Newtown, Pa. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

The chairman of the national Republican Party wants it to lean into faith. But that can be awkward given some of the GOP’s big candidates.

How Jewish Democrats Are Navigating a Difficult Year

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein speaks at a May “Faith Leaders for Stein" roundtable. (Peyton Sickles for The Assembly)

Gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein and other Jewish politicians working to hold their traditional coalition together.

Mark Harris Is Not Asking For Forgiveness

Mark Harris outside the annual Unionville BBQ last November. (Robert Taylor for The Assembly)

The minister and politician stepped aside after ballot fraud tainted his congressional race. Now he says his seat was stolen—and he wants it back.

Paul Newton’s Rapid Rise in Raleigh

Paul Newton on his farm in Mount Pleasant. (Cornell Watson for The Assembly)

The former Duke Energy NC president has quickly ascended in the state Senate, where he’s had to maneuver in an intensely partisan environment.

The Gospel According to Mark Robinson

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson addresses the crowd at a conference in Charlotte. (Peyton Sickles for The Assembly)

The lieutenant governor has spent many of his Sundays giving thunderous speeches in churches.

Patrick Cannon’s Campaign for Redemption

Photos by Cornell Watson

The former Charlotte mayor was the youngest person ever elected to the city council but went to prison for taking bribes. Queen City voters are wrestling with whether to give him another chance.