Democratic Party Coverage

Biden softens stance on Gaza. Could it decide who wins NC in 2024 election?

Protests over the U.S.'s support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas underscore challenges to President Joe Biden's efforts to win North Carolina and other swing states.

By Will Doran and Eric Miller, WRAL News

Editorial: National campaigns are going local for votes in North Carolina

Friday, March 29, 2024 -- Given the high stakes and emphasis the Republican and Democratic national campaigns have in North Carolina, even those candidates who may think they have a free ride won't be allowed to rest on their laurels.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Democrats and Biden's 2024 dilemma

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Poll: Republicans have advantages on immigration, crime and economy

Democrats, meanwhile, have the edge on abortion and health care.

NBC News

On the Record: The Republican party's plan for 2024

The calendar says 2023, but politically, it might as well be 2024. The presidential race is loping toward its first turn. Three Republican candidates are in town this weekend for the state Republican Party's convention. President Joe Biden was here Friday. North Carolina won't just be big in next year's presidential elections, it may be huge for control of Congress, because Republicans here will redraw the congressional map this year, tilting those races, potentially adding enough Republican-leaning districts to keep or expand their party's control of the U.S. House. WRAL State Government reporter Travis Fain goes on the record with the chairman of the state Republican party to examine how the GOP plans to win local and national elections in 2024.

Dems, GOP point fingers at each other for public's lack of faith in elections system

North Carolina Republicans have proposed changing many election laws ahead of 2024 that could make it harder to vote, saying they're trying to improve faith in elections. Democrats say it's a cynical ploy to throw out legitimate ballots.

On the Record: What's the future for the NC Democratic Party?

While Democrats in other swing states scored big victories this year, the party struggled in North Carolina. WRAL sits down with the party's new chair, Anderson Clayton, who is now the youngest state party leader in the country at 25 years old. WRAL's Lena Tillett talks to Clayton about the future of democrats in North Carolina as they try to rally support against the super-majority GOP legislature.

Cooper vetoes new abortion restrictions, setting up first test of GOP's new supermajority

The bill would reduce the cutoff for many abortions from 20 weeks to 12 and add other restrictions to women seeking abortions and clinics seeking to provide them.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'This country is in a lot of trouble': Mike Pence visits UNC, mum about potential presidential run in 2024

Mike Pence spoke Wednesday in Chapel Hill but did not say whether he planned to run for president in 2024.

Mike Pence speaks at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, mum about potential presidential run in 2024

Mike Pence spoke Wednesday in Chapel Hill but did not say whether he planned to run for president in 2024.

Nia Harden, WRAL reporter, Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Not just abortion: Cotham switch opens door to controversial GOP bills

A look at what state Rep. Tricia Cotham, who left the Democratic Party for the GOP, has said about abortion, elections, LGBTQ issues and how her past views align with her new Republican reality.

Will Doran and Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporters

Dems blast back at Cotham's defection

Rep. Tricia Cotham had strong words for the Democratic party she is leaving, and they for her after she announced a switch to the GOP.

One member's party switch a big change in NC balance of power

Whenever Democratic Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a controversial bill, Republicans have been one vote short of being basically guaranteed to override his veto. The move for Tricia Cotham from Democrat to Republican just gave them that final vote.

Abortion access in question as Rep. Cotham switches to GOP

North Carolina Rep. Tricia Cotham tried to codify abortion protections from Roe v. Wade in state law. Democrats hope her defection to the GOP doesn't dull her abortion stance.

Cotham defended abortion rights. Will she now help GOP reduce access?

Rep. Tricia Cotham tried to codify abortion protections from Roe v. Wade in state law. Democrats hope her defection to the GOP doesn't dull her abortion stance.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'Considered a traitor': NC Rep. Tricia Cotham leaves Democrats for GOP

North Carolina Rep. Tricia Cotham defected from the Democratic Party to align with chamber Republicans. The move gives Republicans more power.

Will Doran and Laura Leslie, WRAL state government reporters

Democrat Cotham defects, giving GOP veto-proof majority in NC House

State Rep. Tricia Cotham, who earned her seat as a Charlotte-area Democrat, joined the GOP Tuesday. The extraordinary move gives Republicans a veto-proof majority in the state House.

By Will Doran, Paul Specht and Laura Leslie, WRAL state government reporters

'People are fed up': As NC Democrats reflect on election missteps, a party shake-up is underway

While Democrats in other swing states scored big victories, the party struggled in North Carolina. Political strategists say geography, money and recruiting troubles are to blame.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Women's lives are on the line with NC federal judge's latest abortion ruling, activists say

North Carolina, which was seen as a safe haven for women seeking abortion in the South after Roe v. Wade was overturned, is beginning to strip away the right to abortion.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL reporter; Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

College graduates waiting for Democrats to cancel their student debt

It's college graduation season for students who were promised by Democratic candidates that much of their student debts will be canceled. Now, they'll be graduates and potential midterm election voters, still waiting for that promise to be fulfilled.

Democratic candidate, former American Idol star Clay Aiken performs in Durham alongside Ruben Studdard

Two former American idol stars are coming together in downtown Durham on Saturday to set aside their differences and perform on stage.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer & James DeAlto, WRAL photojournalist

At Least 53 People Have Tested Positive After Attending Washington Dinner

WASHINGTON -- At least 53 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since attending The Gridiron Club and Foundation's annual dinner Saturday in Washington, the group's president confirmed Friday.

Alexandra E. Petri, New York Times

NC Democratic Party speaks out against Trump rally

North Carolina's Democratic Party held a press conference on Friday to discuss outside interests funding North Carolina's midterm elections.

NC Democratic party to speak ahead of Trump rally on Saturday

The North Carolina Democratic Party will hold a press conference on Friday morning ahead of former President Donald Trump's visit to the state.

Pelosi Predicts Thursday Vote on Biden’s Ambitious Social Policy Bill

WASHINGTON — House Democrats, increasingly confident that they have the support to pass their $1.85 trillion social policy and climate change bill, drove toward a vote on the package as early as Thursday evening, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing optimism that the measure would ultimately reach President Joe Biden’s desk.

Jonathan Weisman and Emily Cochrane, New York Times