NC Deep Dive

This episode breaks down the Democratic primary for North Carolina House District 37 , where Winn Decker, Ralph Clements, and Marcus Gadson are competing to face Republican incumbent Erin Paré in November. Decker leans on his bipartisan policy experience and coordinated planning, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and schools to keep pace with Wake County’s growth. Clements emphasizes consumer p...

In this episode we zoom into the District 17 NC Senate race that will be on the Republican Ballot. Sarah Al-Baghdadi positions herself as a community-focused contender with experience in law enforcement, substitute teaching, and small business. She centers mental health, promises high accessibility, and raises concerns about proposed data centers, though her public record is light—no campaign webs...

Wake County’s next District Attorney will shape how justice works every day; and this year, the Democratic primary effectively decides the office. There is no Republican challenger, so the primary winner will take the seat in November. This episode breaks down the three-way race — Sherita Walton, Melanie Shekita, and Wiley Nickel — and translates their platforms into real stakes: which cases get p...

The quiet races decide so much. This GOP primary for North Carolina’s Court of Appeals Seat 1 asks a sharp question: what kind of experience best prepares a judge to review the law—meticulous appellate-ready opinions or years of trial-tested judgment? We walk through the ballot basics, then dig into two distinct judicial résumés. Administrative Law Judge Michael C. Byrne spotlights nearly 400 writ...

Early voting is almost over, and many of you may still be weighing your options. To help, we recorded a full Democratic candidate forum for North Carolina’s U.S. House District 13 so you can cut through the noise, hear real answers, and decide with confidence. This famously gerrymandered district stretches from Caswell and Person to Johnston, Lee, and southeast Wake—we also explain how to confirm...

The Democratic primary for Seat Three on the North Carolina Court of Appeals features two candidates offering distinct paths to the bench: James Weldon Whalen and Christine Walczyk. As a statewide court that reviews thousands of civil and criminal cases each year—and now has the final word in the vast majority of appeals—its decisions shape fundamental issues ranging from voting rights to public e...

In this episode, we break down the Democratic primary for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, featuring three distinct candidates: Paul Barringer – A healthcare consultant, attorney, and farm manager running on constitutional accountability, fiscal responsibility, and practical healthcare reform. He emphasizes independent, district-first representation, balanced budgeting, and bipartisan...

We map the District 13 Republican primary between Sid Sharma and Brad Knott, laying out each platform, public record, and source so voters can compare claims and consequences. Clear contrasts emerge on immigration tactics, tax policy scope, and governing style. • Ballot rules and who gets a primary ballot • Sid Sharma’s bio and accountant-first agenda • Sharma’s deportation strategy and sanctuary...

We walk through how the NC primary works, then break down the NC-04 Democratic race: Valerie Foushee’s record and endorsements, Nida Allam’s platform and organizing background, and Mary Patterson’s priorities and questionnaire. We close with redistricting shifts, fundraising context, and a clear path to research and vote. • Early voting dates and ballot rules • Scope of NC-04 and who appears on ba...

We guide voters through NC’s Democratic US Senate primary with a clear, side-by-side look at each candidate’s platform, background, and funding. From anticorruption plans and affordability to education, healthcare, and civil liberties, we delve into their campaign sites and relevant information. • primary voting rules for party and unaffiliated voters • overview of six Democratic candidates on the...

We walk through the North Carolina Republican U.S. Senate primary, explain ballot rules, and clarify why one name may not count. Then we profile each candidate with sourced highlights, policy priorities, and links so you can decide faster and vote smarter. • Primary dates, ballot rules, and unaffiliated voter options • Status of Margot Dupre’s residency challenge and implications • Richard Dansie’...

Local power shapes daily life—from classrooms and bus routes to rent, taxes, and second chances in the courtroom. At the Western Wake Dems forum, we listened closely as five Wake County Commissioner candidates and a District Attorney contender laid out what’s at stake on the primary ballot and how their choices would ripple across every neighborhood. This episode isn’t about sound bites; it’s abou...

Ballots are about choices, and US House District 4’s Democratic primary offers a clear one. We bring you inside a sharp, respectful forum between Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and Durham Councilwoman Nida Allam as they wrestle with living wages, immigration enforcement, and the fast-rising footprint of AI data centers. The conversation moves past slogans to the tools that change outcomes: setting...

Primary season is here, and District 37 voters are weighing real tradeoffs: how do we make life more affordable, strengthen public schools, and restore trust in state government? We brought all three Democratic candidates—Ralph Clements, Wynn Decker, and Marcus Gadson—into one room for a substantive, fast-moving forum that gets specific on budgets, vouchers, healthcare, and the path to a flipped s...

We sit down with Commissioner and mayoral candidate William (Bill) Harris to discuss a bold vision for Fuquay Varina—one that prioritizes balanced growth, higher wages through clean industry, and meaningful quality-of-life investments that strengthen community, not just add rooftops. Harris brings a results-driven track record, unpacks key votes, and calls on residents to help shape the town’s nex...

We sat down with Holly Springs mayoral candidate Mike Kondratick to talk traffic, development, affordability, and how a more responsive town hall could better serve residents. He outlines ideas like a transportation lockbox, daily outreach to the community, and a "worth the cost" standard for evaluating future projects. Redefining The Mayor’s Role As Active Chair And Resident Advocate Wh...

We sit down with Commissioner Bryan Haynes to discuss how Fuquay-Varina can grow while preserving its unique character. Our conversation covers infrastructure-first planning, public safety, diverse housing options, and boosting small business vitality. Bryan reflects on key accomplishments, lessons learned, and a regional strategy for managing water, roads, and revenue. Here are some of the critic...

We sit down with Kris Vorren, a data-driven candidate for the Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners, to dive into equitable growth, housing affordability, traffic solutions, and heat-resilient public spaces. He offers practical strategies for blending density, supporting small businesses, and fostering community through local events and shaded gathering spots. Key topics from our conversation inclu...

Josh Prizer shares his vision for Holly Springs Town Council, focusing on managed growth, public safety, and fiscal responsibility while maintaining the town's unique character. He draws on his extensive community service background and planning board experience to outline strategies for proactive development planning and infrastructure improvements. • Six-year Holly Springs resident with a b...

Kara Foster shares her unique vision for Holly Springs Town Council, blending her healthcare background with municipal policy to create a more walkable, connected, and health-focused community. She proposes innovative solutions like direct primary care and Blue Zones initiatives that could transform both the town's budget and residents' wellbeing. • Small business owner and optometrist w...

Tim Forrest shares his vision for Holly Springs' future while highlighting accomplishments like securing $236 million in state infrastructure funding and protecting the town's community character through strategic growth management. • Currently serving on the Holly Springs Town Council since December 2021 • Retired Army Colonel Engineer with extensive experience in infrastructure plannin...

Annie Drees, running for re-election to Holly Springs Town Council, brings her engineering background and problem-solving mindset to local government. She believes in preserving Holly Springs' community spirit while managing growth, improving transportation options, and creating more affordable housing opportunities. • Serving on council for two years with experience on the Legislative Action...

Joe Cuccurullo, running for Holly Springs Town Council, shares his journey from New York to North Carolina and his vision for balancing growth while preserving the community charm that attracted him to the area. • Moved from New York City during the pandemic and opened Resource Room Learning Center in Holly Springs • Joined the Planning Board to understand development decisions after seeing projec...

Sarah Larson shares her vision for Holly Springs Town Council, focusing on bridging people, policy, and progress through better communication and creating "third gathering places" where community connections flourish. • Long-time community volunteer serving on various boards including Parks and Rec Advisory Committee and the Downtown Village Plan Committee • Emphasizes the need for bette...

Get ready to be the most informed voter on the block! Our latest podcast kicks off with a bang as we tackle the sizzling Republican primary runoff for North Carolina State Auditor. The competition is fierce, and we're here to spotlight the contenders, starting with Dave Boliek—his impressive resume boasts roles such as former prosecutor and UNC Board of Trustees chairman. But it doesn't...