Key Races in North Carolina to Watch Before Election Day
As we gear up for Election Day next week, the excitement in North Carolina is palpable! With a wide array of important races on the ballot, voters are eagerly casting their ballots, even as communities recover from the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Helene just a month ago. Notably, in counties like Buncombe, early voting numbers have been impressive, with around 94,000 ballots already submitted by October 31. But don’t worry if you haven’t voted yet; there are still opportunities ahead!
Gubernatorial Race
The gubernatorial race is certainly one to keep an eye on. Current Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is facing some scrutiny due to his controversial remarks, including allegations of racist and sexual comments from a notorious online message board. While Robinson has denied these claims, they have created quite a stir among voters. When it comes to key issues, abortion and education are at the forefront. Interestingly, Robinson has shifted his once strict viewpoint on abortion, causing some to question his previous stances. His opponent, Democrat Josh Stein, strongly supports reproductive rights and is backed by Planned Parenthood. The two candidates also differ significantly on education, with Stein advocating for fully funded public schools versus Robinson’s support for taxpayer-funded private school vouchers.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Next up is the race for the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Republican Michele Morrow is going head-to-head with Democrat Mo Green, a former superintendent of Guilford County Schools. This race has some heated elements, particularly around Morrow’s controversial involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot and inflammatory social media posts. Morrow has raised eyebrows with her comments regarding LGBTQ+ issues, claiming dubious connections to pedophilia. She supports private school vouchers and is advocating for audits of federal education funding, which she claims comes with too many strings attached. In contrast, Green is focused on fully funding public schools and fostering partnerships with community organizations to enhance education.
North Carolina Supreme Court
As we swing over to the state’s highest court, Justice Allison Riggs is hoping to retain her seat against Republican Jefferson Griffin from the state court of appeals. Currently, the Republicans hold a 5-2 majority on the court, and recent decisions have upheld some controversial gerrymandering practices that could affect future elections. If Riggs secures her position, it could open the door for Democratic control by 2028, making this a race of critical importance for the party.
Local Race in Buncombe County
Lastly, we have a local highlight that is sure to pique the interest of residents in the Western North Carolina area. Former Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, who is now running as an unaffiliated candidate, is vying for the chair of the county Board of Commissioners against Democrat Amanda Edwards. Duncan, a former Democrat, is walking a careful line between the two parties. However, his campaign has received considerable support from prominent Republicans, including former Congressman Charles Taylor. The outcome of this race is particularly significant, given it will have a direct impact on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene.
As voters make their final decisions before casting their ballots, it is clear that North Carolina is poised for an exciting and consequential Election Day. With both local and statewide races at stake, the can-do spirit of the community shines through as they tackle not only the political landscape but also recovery from recent adversities. So, if you haven’t voted yet, make sure to position yourself for an informed and empowered choice as Election Day approaches!
