N.C. Democratic Party Coverage

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.

NC Democrats, Republicans banking on star power to get voters to the polls

With just two weeks until Election Day, candidates are relying on star power to make their final pitches to voters.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief and Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Supermajorities or shared power? Voters face choice in NC legislative elections

Does North Carolina want the status quo--a Republican legislature and a Democratic governor reigning things in with his veto--or a GOP supermajority similar to what the state has seen before? The decision will reverberate through the state.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Wake DA's investigation into AG Josh Stein's campaign ad, explained

The Wake County District Attorney's office, run by a Democrat, is considering a misdemeanor charge against the state's Democratic attorney general, who may be her party's best chance at winning the gubernatorial race in 2024.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Abortion rights activists hold conference in Raleigh after ruling

Planned Parenthood representatives join Democratic state lawmakers outside the Capitol Building in downtown Raleigh to hold a press conference one day after a federal judge ruled abortions in North Carolina are no longer legal after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Appeals court decision keeps Green Party candidates on NC ballots

A federal court on Thursday denied a motion by Democrats that sought to keep Green Party candidates off North Carolina ballots in November.

NC Democrats appeal order to place Green Party candidates on state ballots

Democrats filed a notice of appeal seeking to reverse a federal judge's order that, if upheld, would put Green Party candidates for federal and state seats on North Carolina ballots alongside Republicans and Democrats

WRAL Capitol Bureau Staff

SETH EFFRON: Unaffiliated voters shouldn't be banned from helping N.C. elections

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 -- I joined the lawsuit challenging a state law to end an institution that silences the voices of 2.6 million unaffiliated voters. All citizens deserve the opportunity to fully participate in the electoral process - and that includes the oversight and administration of elections.

Wake Democrats name new candidate for NC House seat

Tim Longest will resigning state Rep. Grier Martin on the ballot this November. He will face Republican Ashley Seshul and Libertarian Kat McDonald in the general election in District 34, which leans heavily toward Democrats.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NC Democratic Black caucus to boycott annual party convention

North Carolina Democrats will gather this weekend in Durham for a party convention, but some Black members are upset the in-person events were planned for Juneteenth and Father's Day weekend.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Fact check: Does the NC GOP support Scott's controversial 'Rescue America' plan?

Democrat Barbara Gaskins, who's running against Rep. Greg Murphy in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, said the N.C. GOP "came out in support of Sen. Scott's extremist policy to 'Rescue America." PolitiFact checks her claim.

Paul Specht, PolitiFact reporter

Democrats pledge to keep abortion safe, legal in North Carolina

North Carolina Republican lawmakers hold the majorities in both the state House and Senate. But they no longer have veto proof majorities, so Gov. Roy Cooper and Democrats have been able to so far block GOP attempts to further restrict abortion.

As high court mulls Roe v. Wade, Democrats and Republicans sharpen focus on legislative races

North Carolina Republicans and Democrats are pushing for voters to rally behind local candidates who could determine whether abortion restrictions are implemented.

Bryan Anderson, WRAL state government reporter, and Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC Democrats react to planned Trump visit

Former President Donald Trump's rally in Selma on Saturday is expected to be significant for both the state and national Republican Party.

Candidate filing closes, stage set for NC legislative primary battles

North Carolina's redistricting shake-up created high-profile primary fights in this year's legislative elections.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

GARY PEARCE: Democrats, where do you stand? It's debatable

Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 -- Moderate voters swung both the Democratic primaries and election to Joseph Biden, a candidate who some progressive Democrats viewed as out of date and out of step. It's a familiar Democratic debate: go left or go down the middle? It will get a new hearing in North Carolina in 2022.

GARY PEARCE: How Democrats win U.S. Senate races in N.C.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 -- The 2022 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina will be a rare open-seat contest, with no incumbent running. In a year like that, you can't do anything about the national political winds. You have to take what comes. You can't pick your opponent, although you can weaken him or her. You can only pick your best candidate, run your best campaign and hope for the best.

Fact check: Has Elaine Marshall won more statewide races than any North Carolina politician?

Former North Carolina agriculture commissioner candidate Jenna Wadsworth says Secretary of State Elaine Marshall has an unparalleled political record. PolitiFact checks her claim..

Paul Specht, PolitiFact reporter