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Republican Sen. Danny Britt maintains a 228-vote lead over Democrat Catina Hamm in Senate District 24 after provisional ballots were counted, keeping Republicans positioned for a 26-24 Senate majority as counties hold canvass meetings today. Presumptive House Speaker Robert Reives outlined priorities for the new Democratic House majority, focusing on affordability and a more collaborative legislative process. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins to explain North Carolina’s county canvass process and recount rules for close races. Plus, North Carolina continues to hold its top AAA bond ratings from S&P and Moody’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Rep. Greg Murphy has conceded North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District to Democrat Raymond Smith after provisional ballots flipped the race, with Smith ahead by 293 votes. The White House cited comments from new NC Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda in a warning letter to congressional Democrats about planned oversight investigations. North Carolina voters rejected local sales tax increases in nine of 11 counties that held referendums. Plus, a lawmaker is proposing legislation to split Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and hold a recall vote for all nine board members, discussed in an interview with Brett Jensen and Rep. David Willis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Sen. Danny Britt maintains a narrow 228-vote lead over Democrat Catina Hamm in Senate District 24 after provisional ballots were counted, keeping Republicans positioned to hold a 26-24 majority in the state Senate. Presumptive House Speaker Robert Reives held a press conference outlining Democratic priorities for the new majority, emphasizing affordability, bipartisan compromise, and changes to how the legislature operates. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal recaps the key points from Reives’ remarks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Commission is reviewing whether the financially troubled towns of Ronda and Rowland can be rehabilitated or should be dissolved. Governor Stein announced an $11.3 million expansion of the Child Care WAGE$ program to support workers in 39 Hurricane Helene-impacted counties. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation discusses provisional ballots under review and their potential effect on remaining close races. North Carolina also retained its AAA bond ratings from S&P and Moody’s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Reives has secured majority support to become the next speaker of the House following Democrats' historic gains in the 2026 midterm elections. Reives is expected to replace Republican Speaker Destin Hall when the new General Assembly convenes in January. Carolina Journal Meanwhile, State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes is reminding local election officials to remain impartial after comments surrounding the closely contested Senate District 24 race between Republican Danny Britt and Democrat Catina Hamm. The race could determine control of the state Senate as provisional ballots are counted. Carolina Journal Donald Bryson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss whether Democratic victories could reshape North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship program and broader school choice policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina's 2026 midterm elections are over, but several close races remain unresolved as election officials review provisional ballots and prepare for potential recounts. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to explain the post-election canvassing process and how outstanding ballots could affect the final results. NCSBE Meanwhile, Republican State Sen. Jim Burgin has entered the race to become the next president pro tempore of the North Carolina Senate, joining several lawmakers seeking to replace longtime leader Phil Berger. Donald Bryson of the John Locke Foundation examines Michael Whatley's defeat in the U.S. Senate race, including the factors behind his loss to Democrat Roy Cooper. Plus, Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network breaks down the results of North Carolina's school board elections and what the changing political landscape could mean for education policy moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Stein is celebrating major Democratic gains in North Carolina's midterm elections, including the party's projected takeover of the state House for the first time since 2010. During a Wednesday press conference, Stein outlined his priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including education funding, Hurricane Helene recovery, public safety, and affordability. He also urged lawmakers to work together and questioned the need for a post-election legislative session. Carolina Journal Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to examine the changing balance of power in the General Assembly, with Democrats leading in 71 House districts and Republicans holding a narrow 26-24 advantage in the Senate as several close races remain unresolved. Carolina Journal Plus, North Carolina voters approved all three constitutional amendments on Tuesday's ballot, expanding voter photo ID requirements, lowering the state income tax cap to 3.5%, and requiring limits on local property tax levies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina Democrats scored major victories in Tuesday's midterm elections, with former Gov. Roy Cooper defeating Republican Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race, flipping a seat previously held by Republicans. Democrats also captured competitive congressional districts and won control of the North Carolina House, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to recap the election results, examine the Republican losses, and discuss what Democratic gains mean for state government. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation breaks down voter turnout, including participation by party and the impact of early voting, while explaining North Carolina's recount thresholds and which close races could face additional scrutiny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Election Day in North Carolina, and a new report is raising concerns about duplicate voter registrations across state lines. The Public Interest Legal Foundation says it identified 33,190 potentially duplicate North Carolina voter registrations, prompting renewed questions about voter roll maintenance and election integrity. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program for two segments, beginning with a final breakdown of early voting totals. More than 2.8 million North Carolinians cast ballots before Election Day, with registered Democrats accounting for the largest share, followed by unaffiliated voters and Republicans. Jackson also discusses everything voters need to know about casting their ballots on Election Day, including polling locations, voter ID requirements, and what to expect at the polls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina's early voting period has officially ended, with millions of ballots cast ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The program examines final turnout figures, including participation among Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters. Meanwhile, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. is exploring a potential run for chief justice in 2028 after announcing he would not seek reelection to his current seat. A Democratic-aligned organization is also drawing attention for efforts targeting Republican voters in North Carolina's judicial races. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network joins the program to discuss recommendations from a state education task force, where a majority favors eliminating the A-F grading system currently used to evaluate public schools. Plus, a final breakdown of early voting totals as North Carolina prepares for Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal prosecutors have announced charges against 18 additional noncitizens accused of illegally voting in North Carolina's 2024 general election, bringing the statewide total to 30 people charged this year. The latest cases involve defendants across all three federal judicial districts in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Attorney General Jeff Jackson's office reports receiving 594 complaints about gas stations potentially failing to pass along savings from the state's temporary 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax suspension, raising questions about enforcement and the lack of reported savings data. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to analyze the latest early voting numbers, with Democrats maintaining a substantial turnout advantage despite Republicans narrowing the gap. Plus, a look at Thursday's voting totals as North Carolina surpasses 2.2 million ballots cast ahead of Saturday's early voting deadline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina's Supreme Court race between Democratic Justice Anita Earls and Republican challenger Sarah Stevens could have major implications for control of the state's highest court in 2028. Republicans currently hold a 5-2 majority, with three additional seats up for election in two years. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek has released the first oversight report examining Charlotte's $650 million public investment in renovations to Bank of America Stadium, raising questions about taxpayer spending and financial accountability. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the North Carolina State Health Plan Board's decision to approve a $400 million funding adjustment to prevent the plan from running out of cash before the end of 2026. Plus, an update on Wednesday's early voting totals as North Carolina approaches the final weekend of early voting ahead of Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Libertarian candidate for the North Carolina Senate was taken into custody Monday following an hours-long standoff with Cary police. Jonathan Miller, who is running in Senate District 16, was detained after officers responded to a welfare check, with the situation ending without gunfire. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance returns to North Carolina today for a campaign rally in Kinston as the November midterm elections approach. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited the Lumbee Tribe in Robeson County to discuss federal recognition, law enforcement partnerships, drug enforcement, and disaster response. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a new agreement between the North Carolina State Health Plan and Atrium Health, ending a contentious dispute and keeping Atrium providers in-network for approximately 750,000 plan members. Plus, an update on Tuesday's early voting totals as North Carolina approaches the final days of early voting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans are defending their only state House seat in Mecklenburg County as several competitive legislative races could reshape the county's delegation. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Rep. Tricia Cotham's reelection campaign and the defeat of two moderate Democrats in the March primaries. Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined 22 other Democratic attorneys general urging the FCC to preserve the federal E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries pay for internet access. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest early voting numbers as North Carolina enters the final week before Election Day. Plus, US Conec announces a nearly $150 million expansion in Hickory, creating 224 jobs with support from a $500,000 state grant, and an update on Monday's early voting totals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections is facing a formal complaint from the Public Interest Legal Foundation after the organization identified more than 3,600 potentially duplicate voter registration records. State election officials say efforts to identify and remove duplicate registrations are ongoing. Meanwhile, western North Carolina continues its long recovery from Hurricane Helene, with major road and bridge reconstruction projects expected to take years despite additional federal funding. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network joins the program to discuss recommendations from a state task force, where a majority favors eliminating the A-F grading system used to evaluate North Carolina public schools. Plus, a look at the latest early voting numbers as North Carolina enters the final week of early voting ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.