Don Davis Wins North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in Tight Race

Forward-Democratic Rep. Don Davis successfully defended his seat in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, overcoming a challenge from Republican Laurie Buckhout. Redistricting had shifted the district’s demographics, leading to a highly competitive race with millions in ad spending from both parties. Davis, a moderate, secured support partly due to his stance on issues appealing to unaffiliated voters, ultimately helping Democrats maintain a critical seat in their effort to control the House. (WRAL)

New Faces in North Carolina's Council of State After 2024 Elections

North Carolina's Council of State will see significant changes in January. Democrat Jeff Jackson won the attorney general race with 51.3% of the vote, defeating Republican Dan Bishop. Republican incumbents Steve Troxler and Mike Causey retained their positions as Commissioner of Agriculture and Insurance, respectively, while newcomer Luke Farley won the Labor Commissioner seat with 53%. Additionally, incumbent Secretary of State Elaine Marshall narrowly defeated Chad Brown with 51%, and Republican Brad Briner secured the State Treasurer role with 53%, succeeding Dale Folwell. (Carolina Journal)

NC Legislative Shake-Up

North Carolina's recent election broke the Republican supermajority in the state House, with Democrats gaining a critical seat to hold 49 of 120 seats, limiting GOP's unilateral control and necessitating cross-party collaboration to override vetoes from Gov.-elect Josh Stein. Though Republicans retained a supermajority in the Senate, the incoming House dynamics may influence key legislative issues, including abortion, education funding, and disaster recovery in Western NC post-Hurricane Helene. In the final weeks before the new legislature convenes, Republicans plan to leverage their outgoing supermajority to pass priority bills, including expanded Opportunity Scholarships and ICE cooperation requirements. (The Assembly)

North Carolina Approves Constitutional Amendment Restricting Voting to U.S. Citizens

North Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state constitution, with 77.59% in favor, changing the voting eligibility language to specify that only U.S. citizens aged 18 and above can vote in state elections. This amendment, initially passed by the General Assembly with a 40-4 vote, replaces prior wording that included “every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized.” (CBS 17)

North Carolina Reviews Over 60,000 Provisional Ballots Amid Photo ID Law Implementation

Nearly 5.7 million people voted, with over 60,000 provisional ballots now under review by county boards. Wake and Mecklenburg counties have the largest share, with over 6,000 and 5,000 provisional ballots, respectively, due to be verified by Nov. 15. Provisional ballots were primarily cast due to ID issues, wrong precincts, or unlisted voter rolls, with advocacy groups like Democracy NC helping remind voters to verify their eligibility for their votes to count. (NC Newsline)

NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson Resigns, Cites Move to Private Sector

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson, who was elected in 2020, resigned a day after the General Election, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m. Dobson, with 21 years in public service, including roles as a McDowell County commissioner and state representative, announced his intent last year not to seek re-election. Republican Luke Farley, who won 53% of the vote in the General Election, will succeed him in January. (Carolina Journal)

Asheville Mayor Manheimer Joins Governor-Elect Stein’s Transition Team to Support WNC Recovery

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer has been appointed to the leadership team of North Carolina Governor-elect Josh Stein, focusing on the recovery of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. Manheimer's role will help amplify Asheville's needs at the state level, securing resources and support essential for the region’s rebuilding efforts. Stein praised her active role in local recovery partnerships following the storm’s impact. (ABC 13)

Rolesville to Open First Library with $142 Million Bond Approval

Rolesville will soon have its first public library after Wake County voters passed a $142 million bond referendum. The library will be part of a new town center, which includes a town hall, police department, fire station, and community center, supporting the town’s growth and downtown development. Mayor Ronnie Currin noted this project has been in planning for 25 years to meet the needs of the growing community. (CBS 17)

Durham Voters Approve $200 Million Bond for Parks, Aquatic Center, and Transportation Upgrades

Durham residents passed a $200 million bond, including $85 million for parks and recreation and $115 million for streets and sidewalks, which will increase property taxes by approximately $34.50 per $100,000 in home value. Planned improvements include a new aquatic center at Merrick-Moore Park, renovations to historically segregated Long Meadow and East End parks, 12.4 miles of new sidewalks, and nearly 11 miles of newly paved roads, with completion projected between 2025 and 2029. (Indy Week)

Mo Green’s Win as NC Superintendent Signals Potential Shift in Public Education Policy

Democrat Mo Green narrowly won the North Carolina superintendent of public instruction race, joining other Democrats, including Gov.-elect Josh Stein, who will influence public education. Green aims to boost public school funding, improve teacher support, and increase mental health resources while prioritizing traditional public schools over private vouchers. With Democrats breaking the Republican supermajority in the state House, observers are hopeful yet cautious about potential bipartisan collaboration in education policy amid legislative power struggles over the State Board of Education. (News & Observer)

Wolfspeed Announces 20% Layoff Amid $750 Million Federal Investment in New NC Facility

Wolfspeed, a Durham-based semiconductor manufacturer, announced a 20% workforce reduction, primarily in Durham, following a reported $282.2 million loss in Q1 FY 2025. The layoffs are part of a restructuring that includes closing its 150mm Durham fab and shifting focus to 200mm production at new sites in New York and North Carolina. Despite these cuts, Wolfspeed is moving forward with a new Siler City facility, backed by a $750 million federal CHIPS Act grant and projected to create over 5,000 jobs. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina Film Grants to Attract $172 Million, Create 8,500 Jobs

North Carolina has approved film and entertainment grants for three films and three streaming series, expected to generate $172 million in spending and create 8,500 jobs statewide. Projects include Amazon’s “The Runarounds,” INSP’s “Blue Ridge,” and Netflix’s “The Waterfront,” with filming primarily in Wilmington, Charlotte, and coastal counties. The state’s rebate program, providing up to 25% reimbursement post-spending audit, continues to attract productions, including Amazon’s popular “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which recently received $15 million. (NC Newsline)

Usha Vance’s Potential as First Indian American Second Lady Inspires South Indian Community in NC

The possibility of Usha Vance becoming the first Indian American and Hindu second lady has sparked excitement and pride among the South Indian community in North Carolina, particularly for Dhivya Ramalingam and her family in Morrisville. Usha Vance’s potential role would mark her as the youngest second lady since the Truman era and continue to elevate the profile of South Asian women, following Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic tenure. Additionally, a record turnout of over 72,000 Asian American early voters in North Carolina reflects growing civic engagement within the community. (ABC 11)

Mecklenburg County Democratic Party Executive Director Resigns, Citing Discrimination and Mismanagement

Monifa Drayton, the executive director of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party, resigned abruptly, comparing her experience to “professional Black women during the Jim Crow era” in an internal letter. Drayton, who joined in June, cited racism, hostile work conditions, and lack of accountability in the party’s management, stating the organization needs experienced leadership and equal community outreach. Despite increased funding and outreach efforts, Mecklenburg County’s voter turnout lagged behind expectations, contributing to recent Democratic losses, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid. (Axios Charlotte)

Disappointment and Reflection for Gen Z and Minority Voters Post-Election

In the wake of an election that left some Gen Z and minority voters feeling disheartened, UNCW professor Jennifer Brubaker discusses the heightened stakes for these groups, particularly regarding gender, race, and sexuality issues. Brubaker notes that fear-based campaign messaging contributed to younger voters’ feelings of disenfranchisement, but emphasizes the importance of allowing time for processing and reflection. She remains hopeful that, with time, younger voters will regain their motivation and perspective for future elections. (WWAY)