N.C. Democratic Party Coverage

In local congressional runoff, Republicans Daughtry and Knott fight over Democratic ties

Republicans in North Carolina's 13th congressional district are accusing each other of holding secret liberal beliefs. Kelly Daughtry and Brad Knott are competing in the runoff scheduled for May 14.

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.

Your eyes don't deceive you: Mark H. Robinson is a Democrat

Your Democratic ballot isn't wrong. Sampson County Democrat Mark H. Robinson is running for lieutenant governor. He just happens to have the same first and last name of Republican Lt. Gov. Mark K. Robinson, who is running for governor.

WRAL News staff

Allegations of Nazi beliefs, political gamesmanship mar NC election challenge

The Republican Party claims Joe Gibson isn't eligible to run in a GOP primary due to his history of felony convictions in Connecticut. Gibson says he's served his time and that he has regained his rights. State elections officials are expected to rule on the challenge.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC Democratic Party approves new Jewish caucus

The state Democratic Party on Sunday voted to approve the creation of a new Jewish caucus, concluding an effort that began long before Hamas attacked Israel but that gained national attention because of it.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

The Israel conflict has divided Democrats. Will it affect North Carolina's 2024 elections?

The conflict in Gaza has aggravated sore spots for North Carolina Republicans and Democrats in different ways. And in a swing state known for tight races, neither side of the aisle can afford to lose many voters or donors.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC rides national wave of Democratic victories

National Democrats are celebrating wins in high-profile races in other states like Ohio and Virginia. Even in North Carolina, with only local races on the ballot, Democrats say it was a better night than they expected.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC Democrats hire Sadjadi as new executive director

The North Carolina Democratic Party hired Kian Sadjadi, a former state program director for the AFL-CIO, to be its new executive director.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC Democrats file bill to discourage party switching

North Carolina state legislators who change party registrations midterm could be subject to an early election to keep the seat, according to a bill filed Tuesday by Senate Democrats in response to Rep. Tricia Cotham's switch to the GOP two months ago.

North Carolina Democrats seek election, campaign changes after lawmaker switches to GOP

North Carolina state legislators who change party registrations midterm could be subject to an early election to keep the seat, according to a bill filed Tuesday by Senate Democrats in response to Rep. Tricia Cotham's switch to the GOP two months ago.

Editorial: Legislature needs a strong dose of sunshine, end shadowy dealings

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 -- North Carolinians displayed faith in their legislative representatives at the ballot box. Legislators should return that trust and act openly. End the routine of secret meetings and done deals. Come out of the closed-door sessions. Voters have a right to see what's really going on.

'We're being gaslighted': NC Democrats say proposed new voting rules are about helping GOP, not fighting fraud

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.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

ANDREW TRUNSKY: Youngest state party leader has a blue-collar blueprint for N.C.

Friday, May 5, 2023 -- Anderson Clayton didn't get into politics just to explain Gen Z to old people. She is aiming to motivate younger voters, but she also campaigned with broader goals, arguing that Democrats need to invest in rural communities if they hope to erode Republicans' grip on state and local power. A key is being candid about her party's flaws and missteps.

Andrew Trunsky, New York Times

NC Supreme Court gives itself vast new power

The North Carolina Supreme Court quietly gave itself new power to shape the state's laws, drawing criticism from Democratic justices who fear a 'radically destabilizing shift' in the courts.

In three sentences, NC Supreme Court gives itself vast new power

The North Carolina Supreme Court quietly gave itself new power to shape the state's laws, drawing criticism from Democratic justices who fear a 'radically destabilizing shift' in the courts.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Cooper: Ex-Democrat Cotham 'can still stop bad legislation'

NC Rep. Tricia Cotham switched from Democrat to Republican last week. Democrats are hoping she keeps up her independent streak and votes the way she promised voters she would in the elections.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Cotham's turn to the right

Monday, April 10, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: New hand on the Democrats' plow

Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

NC Democratic Party ousts Richardson, shakes up party leadership

The North Carolina Democratic Party's executive committee on Saturday elected Anderson Clayton to replace Bobbie Richardson as party chair.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Competitive NC Democratic Party chair race brings test for establishment

Bobbie Richardson, who has led the North Carolina Democratic Party since 2021, could be the first chairperson in at least 10 years to run for reelection and lose.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC Democratic leader apologizes following DWI charge

Matt Hughes, a state Democratic party leader who has served on the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners since 2018, was arrested last week in Chapel Hill.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Dems shaking things up?

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

'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

The Wrap: Two supreme courts and a surprise announcement

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team.

Both parties solicit big name celebrities to bolster votes in NC

Big-name politicians and entertainers are descending on North Carolina stumping for candidates as the 2022 election season enters the home stretch.