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 protections, fair utilities, and stronger public investments, including competitive teacher pay and universal school meals. Gadson centers on direct tax relief, expanding housing supply, and broader structural reforms, including changes to judicial elections.

We also explore how...

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 website yet and minimal filings beyond committee paperwork.

Shirley Johnson offers a detailed platform anchored in public safety, parental rights, school choice, and fiscal responsibility. With a decade on a state senate staff, leadership at a Child Advocacy Center an...

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 prosecuted, who gets a second chance, and what builds public safety.

We explain how the primary works, outline the DA’s powers, then compare each candidate’s approach. Walton brings cross-jurisdiction prosecutorial experience and adviso...

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 written decisions, nine unanimously affirmed on appeal, and a long track record representing law enforcement and public employees. He leans on major endorsements from the NC Fraternal Order of Police, the NC Police Benevo...

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 your district and find your sample ballot using the State Board of Elections voter search.

Two candidates took the stage: Paul Barringer and Frank Pierce. Paul draws on decades in heal...

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 education and constitutional protections. This race highlights differing professional backgrounds and judicial philosophies at a time when the role and independence of the courts are central topics in public debate.

Whalen, an appe...

In this episode, we break down the Democratic primary for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, featuring three distinct candidates:

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 city penalties
• Sharma's Second Amendment absolutism and litigation plan
• Sharma's zero tax for under $50k and gas tax repeal
• Sharma's attacks on Brad Knott’s votes, bills, and endorsements
• Brad Knott’s prosecutor backgroun...

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 ballots
• Valerie Foushee’s biography, committees, and issue slate
• Foushee’s endorsements and questionnaire highlights
• Nida Allam’s story, county record, and platform pillars
• Allam’s endorsements, district info, and questionnaire
• Ma...

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 ballot
• Daryl Farrow’s limited public profile and prior run
• Justin Dues’ affordability/anti-corruption agenda and Project 2030 details
• Roy Cooper’s record, Medicaid expansion, and fundraising lead
• Robert Colon’s peace, justice, and constitutional planks
• Marcus W Wi...

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’s incentive-driven reforms and healthcare registry model
• Don Brown’s deep state cuts, tax overhaul, and national carry push
• Michael Whatley’s party leadership record and fundraising strength
• Elizabeth Temple’s affordability focus an...

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 about taking the time to hear how each candidate thinks, prioritizes, and would lead if elected—on schools facing voucher expansion and federal cuts, housing stability as a prerequisite for student success, and public...

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 national wage standards, curbing ICE’s reach and funding, and deciding whether to pause new data centers until federal rules protect water, energy costs, and neighborhood health.

You’ll hear how each candidate’s path shaped their prioriti...

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 seat in Southern Wake County. These candidates are vying for the chance to run against incumbent Erin Pare come November to be elected into the NC House of Representatives.  

We start with clarity on voting: who gets...

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 next chapter.

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.

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 include:

• Role of a commissioner as both vision-setter and evaluator
 • Equitable growth as the guiding principle
 • Top priorities: attainable housing, traffic relief, heat-safe parks and a vibrant downtown
 • Rethinking affordability beyond the 30% income benchmark
 • Supporting missing-middle housing, ADUs, and modest mid-rise devel...

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 critical topics we covered:

• How at-large representation impacts every decision
 • Leveraging state, federal, and regional partnerships to unlock funding
 • Managing water supply challenges, treatment costs, and 24/7 operations
 • Alleviating traffic through sidewalks, greenways, and optimized timing
 • Achieving an ISO Class 1 fire r...

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 better communication between town government and residents, potentially through direct engagement with HOAs
• Supports small businesses through dedicated town liaison position and streamlined processes
• Advocates for smart growth that maintains town character while addressing infrastructure and housing affordability
• Prioritizes connectivity through greenways...

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 projects like Main Street Vista approved
• Advocates for "balanced development" to manage the high demand of people moving to Wake County
• Prioritizes public safety, managing density, and expanding services like teen entertainment options
• Su...

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 Committee, Tree Advisory Committee, and Nonprofit Grant Committee
• Top priorities include creating affordable housing incentives, expanding transit options, and establishing an environmental advisory board
• Supports better development planning with thoughtful buffers and tree preservation to maintain town character
• Advocates for revising the town bud...

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 planning
• Priorities include smart balanced growth, protecting community character, and improving infrastructure
• Helped secure $236 million in state infrastructure funding to widen NC-55 and improve key intersections
• Advocating for smart growth through UDO revisions to address "missing middle" housing options
• Championing small business development through streamlined...

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 with deep community service background through VOSH (Volunteer Optometrist Serving Humanity)
• Advocates for a direct primary care pilot program for municipal employees that could save significant money while improving health outcomes
• Proposes implementing Blue Zones principles to make healthy living easier throug...

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 background as volunteer firefighter for 15 years
• Currently serves on Holly Springs Planning Board, Pine Springs Preparatory Academy Board
• Prioritizes responsible growth, public safety, and maintaining current tax rates
• Advocates for proactive rezoning to streamline development and potentially reduce housing costs
• Supports b...

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 end there; we're digging into the conservative endorsements that have rallied behind him. Then, there's Jack Clark, who matches up with his CPA credentials and a wealth of auditing experience. Ever wondered how crucial a...

Discover what's at stake in NC's heated Republican runoff for Lieutenant Governor as we dissect the profiles of two major contenders: Jim O'Neill, with his prosecutor's eye for justice and economic savvy, and Hal Weatherman, the nonprofit founder with political savvy to match. I'm your host, Amanda Benbow Lunn, inviting you into the pulse of this critical election. We're not just talking policies and political rhetoric; we're decoding what each candidate's vision could mean for the future of NC. O'Neill's commitment to public safety and mental health, alongside his track record as Forsyth County District Attorney, reveals a narrative...

Discover the intense rivalry shaping North Carolina's political landscape as we dissect the Republican runoff for the 13th Congressional District of the US House of Representatives between ardent conservatives Kelly Daughtry and Brad Knott. Both candidates are vying to be the staunchest conservatives, anchoring themselves to a Trumpian vision with bold political pledges to address border security, government spending, and the Biden administration's policies, and their family legacies loom large over their political aspirations.
 
Listen closely as we scrutinize the strategies employed in this race. The Daughtry campaign has attempted to challenge Knott's conservative allegiance due to h...

Every community has its heroes, and today, I'm honored to sit with one of Wake County's very own, Justin Crawford. An entrepreneur who's taken his expertise from the finance world to foster healthier living environments through Green Home Solutions, Justin's story is one of determination, family values, and unmistakable community spirit. Our conversation traverses his transition from investment banking to prioritizing indoor air quality.  We celebrate his profound sense of local engagement and involvement in everything from the Fuquay Varina Downtown Association to festive occasions that bind the community, while considering the larger fabric of support that enriches family l...

Explore the narratives and strategies propelling three dynamic candidates forward in the gripping race for the Democratic nomination for the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction. Join us as we illuminate the campaigns of CR Katie Eddings, Maurice "Mo" Green, and Kenon Crumble. Peel back the layers of their educational philosophies and career milestones, and discover how they plan to revitalize our state's educational system. From Eddings' 2019 Boroughs Welcome Fund North Central Region Teacher of the Year accolade to Green's transformative impact on Guilford County schools to Crumble's strategic plans, we're unearthing the root of their visions for North Carolina's...

Discover the critical distinctions in educational policy and leadership philosophies as we examine the Republican primary for NC's Superintendent of Public Instruction. Feel the pulse of NC's future as we spotlight the compelling race between Michele Morrow and Catherine Truitt, offering an insightful analysis of their platforms. Morrow, with her commitment to academic focus, school safety, and fiscal responsibility, sharply criticizes the current superintendent's policies, while Truitt's breadth of experience—from the classroom to legislative halls—underpins her dedication to closing achievement gaps and boosting literacy.

Engage with the complexities of educational reform as we break down the...

Get ready to uncover the strategies and stakes in the 2024 Democratic primary for NC Commissioner of Insurance. We're peeling back the political curtain to reveal the inner workings of Natasha Marcus's bid, a state senator with a sharp focus on consumer protection and fair insurance rates. Her charge against the current commissioner's industry-friendly policies sets the stage for an electoral showdown. We dissect Senator Marcus's arsenal of endorsements, her grassroots fundraising prowess, and the policy chops that have fueled her ascent in the Democratic ranks. Not to be overshadowed, we also profile David Wheeler and his extensive, visionary plan...

Prepare to be captivated as we scrutinize the high-stakes skirmish for NC's Insurance Commissioner position, where the Republican primary is setting the stage for a transformative battle. We've got the scoop on three distinct contenders: the reform-minded Andrew Marcus, public service veteran C. Robert Brawley, and the incumbent aiming for continuity, Mike Causey. Uncover the intricacies of their platforms, from Marcus' taxpayer championing and anti-fraud strategies to Brawley's consumer protection ethos and Causey's efficiency improvements.

By the end of our episode, you'll be well-equipped with a nuanced understanding of the candidates who are vying to oversee the...

Have you ever wondered what drives a person to serve their community at the highest level of state government? Step inside the compelling journeys of Gabe Esparza and Wesley Harris, Democratic candidates in the North Carolina Treasurer race, whose stories are as rich as the policies they advocate for. Gabe's narrative is a testament to the American Dream, with immigrant roots leading to seismic shifts in public safety through Rapid SOS and fortifying small businesses via the US Small Business Administration. On the flip side, Wesley Harris brings a future-focused lens to the table, aiming to ensure North Carolina's...

Get ready to unlock the intricacies of the North Carolina Treasurer Seat's Republican primary race between candidates AJ Daoud, Rachel Johnson, and Brad Briner. Step into the fray where the financial future of North Carolina hangs in the balance, with a keen focus on what each candidate's unique history and strategy mean for your wallet and our state's economic health.

This episode isn't just about the who, but also the how – how the North Carolina Retirement Systems (NCRS) might undergo transformative reforms with a new Treasurer at the helm. Don't miss out on this comprehensive political chess ga...

Join us as we spotlight the 2024 Primary Election showdown for the NC Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 6, and I'll take you behind the bench to reveal the profound stories and legal acumen of Democratic contenders Justice Allison Riggs and Judge Laura Christine Cubbage. Discover how Riggs' tenure at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice and her recent appointment by Governor Roy Cooper underline her commitment to equal justice. We'll peer into her campaign's backbone, examining her endorsements and the principles that steer her pursuit for a full term on the high court.

Transitioning from the courtroom to...

Unlock the secrets behind the Republican race for NC Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 15, as I share a comprehensive analysis of candidates Chris Freeman and Hunter Murphy. . Be informed, be prepared, and join us on this episode to understand the values and experiences shaping the candidates who seek to earn your trust in the upcoming primaries.

Chris Freeman & Hunter Murphy

NC Deep Dive’s Voters’ Guide for the 2024 Primary Election

Ballotpedia

WRAL’s Voters’ Guide

Raleigh News & Observer Voters’ Guide

INDY Week’s Candidate Questionnaire

Campaign Fin...

Join the journey as Amanda Benbow Lunn unravels the intricacies of the Republican NC State Senate District 13's primary race. This episode promises to arm you with the knowledge needed to navigate the platforms of Vicki Harry and Scott Lassiter, transforming you from a casual observer into an informed voter ready to take on the upcoming primary election.

Listen closely as we trace Vicki Harry's path from motherhood to the frontlines of local government, analyzing how her experience as a former teacher and business owner shapes her views on vital issues like the economy and education. Then...

Discover what it takes to reshape the future of North Carolina's legal landscape with your vote. In this episode we discuss the 2024 Primary Election, focusing on the Democratic North Carolina District Court Judge race for District 10D, Seat 5. With the unexpected twist of Kevin Boxberger redirecting his campaign to another race, Blair Williams emerges as the spotlight candidate. Get ready to be informed and inspired by a candidate who has captured pivotal endorsements and the hearts of the community.

As we peel back the layers of Blair Williams' campaign, you'll hear firsthand about the endorsements that bolster...

Embrace the power of community and personal resolve with Ryan Monteleone and Sarah Larson, two local heroes shaping the vibrant heart of Holly Springs. Their inspiring stories unveil the transformational journey of the Holly Springs Runners' Project, from a sole half marathon to a beacon of health and charity in the community. As you listen, you'll uncover the secret ingredients that make this project a catalyst for year-round fitness and philanthropy, all wrapped up in the joy of mutual support and achievement.

As the conversation flows, we delve into the innovative concept that marries the love of...

Have you ever found yourself longing for connection, yearning to overcome the loneliness that can often creep into adult life? We've all been there, and that's why we've invited Steven Kershaw, Yuly Foley, and Samantha Kennedy to lend us their personal stories and insights on navigating this universal challenge. With nuances to their narratives that will have you nodding in agreement, our guests provide a reassuring voice in the often overwhelming quest for friendship and community in adulthood.

Our discussion opens up with a deep dive into making friends as adults, exploring the nuances of building connections...