Campaign finance Coverage

As governor's race heats up, Stein leads Robinson in fundraising

The Democrat's fundraising haul heading into the 2024 election is nearly triple what outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper reported at the same stage of his first run for governor.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: Lt. Gov. Robinson needs to answer questions of campaign finance irregularities

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 -- Campaign finance matters are more than concerns for political insiders. They are about the integrity of the candidates and their campaigns. All candidates should endeavor to establish unquestioned credentials.

NC speaker's campaign has paid his law firm almost $70k for rent, watchdog group says

There's a rule against NC political campaigns paying rent on residential property owned by a candidate, but not against paying towards commercial properties. A left-leaning watchdog group wants to change that.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Political donations, land deals, lobbyists and a question: Will NC lawmakers move ahead with casino plans?

A behind-the-scenes battle is emerging as lawmakers quietly consider legalizing commercial casinos in North Carolina. As gaming companies hire big-name lobbyists and secure land, dark money and local groups are opposing the effort.

Brian Murphy, WRAL

Campaign finance reports highlight wins for Stein, Robinson

Attorney General Josh Stein's campaign has raised $8.2 million after raising $6 million in the last six months. On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's campaign has raised $3.2 million.

'Sophisticated scam' nabs $50k from Stein's gubernatorial campaign

Attorney General Josh Stein's campaign lost $50,000 to a scammer, according to campaign finance filings.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Robinson, Folwell take different funding tacks in GOP gubernatorial campaigns

In the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson tapped into a fund set aside for Republican members of the Council of State. State Treasurer Dale Folwell says he won't tap the fund because of its connections to an indicted billionaire.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Video gambling donations continued to flow to NC lawmakers after 2022 elections

Nearly 20% of campaign donations logged after the 2022 General Assembly elections came from a video gambling industry looking to be legalized this legislative session.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

At least 8 NC lawmakers received campaign cash from individuals with ties to Baltimore casino development firm

Campaign contributions from The Cordish Cos. executives date back to November 2022.

Mehr Sher and Grace Vitaglione, Carolina Public Press

Cawthorn fined $15K for promoting cryptocurrency, cleared of other ethics allegations

North Carolina U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn was fined by the House Committee on Ethics. He was also cleared of allegations of nepotism and an improper relationship with a congressional staff member.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: Who will Ted Budd really be working for in the U.S. Senate?

Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 -- When Republican Ted Budd takes his seat in the United States Senate next month who will he be representing? If you say North Carolina, don't bet on it.

Spending $1M+ for a $14K job: Big money flows, obscured by complexity, in NC legislative races

The fight over control of the North Carolina General Assembly draws millions from inside, and outside, the state as Republicans push for a supermajority and Democrats play defense.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NANCY MacLEAN & FRANK CLEMENTE: Billionaires' dark money silences voters' voices

Sunday Oct. 30, 2022 -- Billionaires are used to being able to buy what they want, whatever the cost. It's up to us to make sure our democracy is not for sale.

Democrats outraise Republicans in key NC races, but conservative groups are bolstering GOP prospects

Democrat Cheri Beasley raised nearly three times more than Republican Ted Budd in a close U.S. Senate race. But conservative groups are outspending Democratic ones 4-to-1.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

US Rep. Madison Cawthorn reports $300K campaign deficit after month-long filing delay

U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina spent heavily in the leadup to his May primary loss to state Sen. Chuck Edwards.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

NC Rep. Madison Cawthorn in trouble for not filing required campaign finance report

North Carolina congressman Madison Cawthorn is under fire again, this time for failing to file his required campaign finance reports on time.

NC Rep. Madison Cawthorn's campaign spending under scrutiny again

Freshman North Carolina congressman Madison Cawthorn is once again making headlines for his campaign finances. This time, it's for failing to report them on time. He could be facing fines or even an audit.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC school board member files complaint against 3 Democratic opponents, accusing them of violating campaign finance law

Incumbent New Hanover County School Board Member Nelson Beaulieu has field a campaign finance complaint with the North Carolina State Board of Elections alleging Judy Justice, another candidate and fellow board member, of several campaign finance violations.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Big outside money dwarfs N.C. voters

Monday, May 23, 2022 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Realtors spending big on legislative, city council, races across NC

Groups that often back Republicans backing a Democrat, and current Raleigh city council member, in Wake County state Senate race.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

J. MARK DAVIDSON, PAUL McALLISTER & RON SHIVE: Democrats take money from lobby group that endorses the "big lie"

Monday, May 9, 2022 -- AIPAC is not only freely spreading its endorsements and its millions among Republican pro-Trump candidates who want to drive our country toward autocracy and permanent minority rule. It's also spending big among Democratic candidates, six in North Carolina - Alma Adams, Don Davis, Jeff Jackson, Deborah Ross, Kathy Manning and Valerie Foushee.

U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn gave cousin $141K in campaign and taxpayer funds, records show

Records show U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina gave a close family member more than $141,000 since 2020. Their relationship is now drawing attention.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

DANIEL GREYBER & RONALD GODBEE: Reject litmus tests and look at candidates' complete record

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 -- We reject litmus tests for politicians that will reduce the number of elected officials who support Israel.

School-choice PAC floods NC airwaves in heated US Senate GOP primary

School Freedom Fund, a political action committee aligned with Club for Growth Action, has spent more than $1.3 million attacking former Gov. Pat McCrory ahead of the May 17 election.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter

NC GOP Senate candidates tangle over education, 2020 election results

Former Gov. Pat McCrory, former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker and combat veteran Marjorie K. Eastman faced off in a debate Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd declined the invitation.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter