N.C. Republican Party Coverage

Matt Judge named executive director of North Carolina Republican Party

Judge, who has served as the state GOP's political director since 2021, succeeds Jason Simmons, who was named the state party chairman last month.

By Jack Hagel, WRAL News

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.

NC GOP elects Trump-endorsed Simmons as new party chair

North Carolina Republican Party members are promoting Jason Simmons from executive director to chairman. Simmons will replace Michael Whatley, who left the role to lead the Republican National Committee.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Can a repeat challenger defeat Trump's pick for NC GOP chair?

The state Republican Party is scheduled to elect a replacement for outgoing Chairman Michael Whatley, who is departing to lead the Republican National Committee.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Whatley, now RNC chairman, says he'll step down from state GOP role

State Republican Chairman Michael Whatley is stepping down from the role days after he was named chairman of the Republican National Committee. He says the state should have a full-time chair.

By Jack Hagel, WRAL News

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

Editorial: Phil Berger, Donald Trump and the company they keep

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 -- Phil Berger and Donald Trump are known by the company they keep - and endorse - and where they stand when it comes to decency and integrity.

How insiders say Trump's pick for RNC chair strengthened the GOP in North Carolina

Some North Carolina Republicans say Michael Whatley's focus on election integrity and record of winning key races across the state prepared him to become the next Republican National Committee chairman. Democrats call him an election denier.

Paul Specht and Will Doran, WRAL state government reporters

Trump endorses Robinson in bid for NC governor

Trump has long praised Robinson, a fiery speaker who captivates conservative audiences, but until Saturday had stopped short of offering an official endorsement in the 2024 race. Trump also endorsed U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop in his quest for state attorney general.

By Jack Hagel and Will Doran, WRAL News

Three candidates face off in GOP primary for NC governor

Republicans haven't occupied North Carolina's governor's mansion since 2016. They're hoping 2024 will be their year to win it back with one of the three candidates GOP voters will find this year on their primary ballot.

Meet the three GOP hopefuls for NC governor in 2024

Republicans haven't occupied North Carolina's governor's mansion since 2016. They're hoping 2024 will be their year to win it back with one of the three candidates GOP voters will find this year on their primary ballot.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC GOP chairman, a possible candidate for RNC chair, parroted Trump's 2020 election lies

Former President Donald Trump and his allies are pushing to replace the chair of the Republican National Committee with North Carolina's party leader who promoted 2020 presidential election lies and supported using the courts to overturn the results.

By Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck, CNN

NC Republicans asking Gov. Cooper to take action at the border

North Carolina House Republicans are calling on Gov. Roy Cooper to take action on the crisis at the U.S. and Mexico border.

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

DRAUGHON DRAWS: N.C. Republicans' wish for Santa

Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Divine wrath meets political endorsements

Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

NC's Robinson is 'better than' MLK, Trump says in Mar-a-Lago speech

Former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, comparing him to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

By Jack Hagel, WRAL News

DRAUGHON DRAWS: GOP gerrymandering for posterity

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

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

Appointments, redistricting and judiciary moves are culmination of NC Republicans' march to power

Republicans have controlled the state's legislative branch for more than a decade. They may not win the governor's mansion, but with new appointment powers and growing influence in the judiciary, lawmakers can sap a Democratic governor's ability to shape and execute policy.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

NC House Speaker Tim Moore won't seek reelection to his House seat in 2024

Speaker of the House Tim Moore, North Carolina's longest-serving speaker of the house, confirmed Thursday he won't seek reelection to his state House seat in 2024.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC Republicans talk Mark Robinson, electability, in first gubernatorial debate

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, State Treasurer Dale Folwell, and political newcomer Jesse Thomas criticized Republican gubernatorial rival Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson while making their own case for governor.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Robinson's financial woes surface again in GOP primary. Will NC voters care?

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is the GOP's leading candidate for governor despite a history of financial problems, including a new revelation of unpaid rent. It has earned him critics on both sides of the aisle, but many Republican voters don't seem to mind.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop launches campaign for NC attorney general

With help from Washington, the conservative congressman thinks he can be the first Republican to be elected Attorney General of North Carolina in over 100 years.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter