N.C. Elections News and In-Depth Reporting

Run, Roy, Run?

Roy Cooper arrives onstage at a campaign rally in October 2024. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Democrats are putting pressure on former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to run for senate.

Thom Tillis’ Spat With Trump Advisers Raises a New Reelection Challenge

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., talks with reporters before a Senate Judiciary Committee in November 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

N.C. Republicans are wondering why Trump’s advisers are going after someone they see as the best chance at retaining a Senate seat.

After Notable Wins, Can NCAE Make the Case for Public Education?

Attendees of the North Carolina Association of Educators Summer Leaders Conference write down their ideas. (Angelica Edwards for The Assembly)

Educators in Durham and Guilford counties last year. Can teachers leverage those wins into statewide gains?

Thom Tillis Is Already Navigating a Delicate Balance for Reelection

Sen. Thom Tillis listens to testimony during a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Senate Judiciary hearing. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Asked what he makes of primary threats, Sen. Thom Tillis was wry. “They’re cute,” he said.

Why Trump’s Favorite N.C. Sheriff Wants to Oust Phil Berger

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page expresses support for immigration legislation at a committee hearing in April 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

The state Senate’s longtime leader faces an election challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.

How North Carolina Got a Trump-Backed Voting Chief

State Auditor Dave Boliek walks past a protestor near the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh, N.C. on February 5 2025. (Cornell Watson for The Assembly)

Republicans have wanted to regain control of the state election apparatus for years. With state Auditor Dave Boliek, they’ve found their man.

Wake Judge Dismisses Jefferson Griffin’s Election Challenge

Attorney Craig Schauer, who represents Jefferson Griffin, argues in Wake County Superior Court on February 7, 2025. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)

The decision isn’t the end of legal battles over the state Supreme Court race, but it is a setback for Griffin’s effort to throw out thousands of votes.

Greensboro City Council Taps Pinder for At-Large Seat

Jamilla Pinder, the Greensboro City Council’s choice to fill the unexpired term of the late Yvonne Johnson. (Joe Killian for The Assembly.)

Supporters of the late Yvonne Johnson’s son were disappointed, but council members said they believe they made the right choice.

Mark Robinson Drops Lawsuit Against CNN, Says He’s Exiting Politics

Mark Robinson meets with supporters at Ace Speedway in April 2023. (Cornell Watson for The Assembly)

In December, the combative former lieutenant governor asked a federal judge to rewrite libel laws. On Friday, he conceded that “continuing to pursue retribution from CNN is a futile effort.”

Some N.C. Supreme Court Republicans Seem Willing to Overturn Griffin’s Defeat

Jefferson Griffin, who currently serves on the Court of Appeals, is the Republican candidate for the state Supreme Court. (Photo courtesy of Griffin's campaign)

While the justices remanded the case to Wake County’s superior court on Wednesday, it’s likely to return.