May 11, 2020

Here are some of the ways Republican-rule has worsened the impact of COVID-19 for North Carolinians

Last week the General Assembly passed a historic, bipartisan, first-step relief package to help North Carolina recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, a headline in the News & Observer pointed out that the package did not expand Medicaid or jobless benefits. Lawmakers said they wanted to avoid these controversial issues in order to pass this legislation quickly, but the exclusion of those potentially lifesaving expansions is part of a dangerous trend Republicans have established since taking control of the legislature in 2011.

Click here to learn more about these harmful policy decisions.

April 30, 2020

We must all work together to protect each other during this pandemic and unite for changes that move toward a more resilient and just future for everyone in North Carolina.

CORE MESSAGE: COVID-19 is a public health crisis that shows how interconnected we all are, and magnifies the inequalities in our economy, health care and government systems. Future generations will hold us accountable for how we respond to this moment. As individuals, we have a responsibility to stay safe and help protect community health. Our leaders have a responsibility to get us through this pandemic now and build a better tomorrow that leaves no one behind.

KEY POINT:  COVID-19 is a public health crisis that has deeply affected the lives of all North Carolinians. We must all work together to protect each other during the pandemic and unite for changes that move toward a more resilient and just future for everyone in our state.

April 29, 2020

NEWS RELEASE: Health Impacts of Coronavirus Top of Mind for North Carolinians

Health Impacts of Coronavirus Top of Mind for North Carolinians

Actions of Cooper get high marks, North Carolinians trust health experts over political agendas on question of when and how to begin scaling back protection measures.

RALEIGH—New polling data from North Carolina released today shows health concerns are top of mind for North Carolinians. The actions taken by Governor Cooper to stop the spread of coronavirus have received strong support from the electorate. Most North Carolinians credit the governor’s decisive actions for mitigating the spread. Only 25 percent of the population is interested in immediate suspension of coronavirus protection measures and thinks they are an overreaction, compared to 70 percent that agree with protection measures.

A majority of North Carolinians report knowing someone directly impacted by the pandemic and are more concerned about health impacts on citizens. 

Notably, 53 percent of Republican voters agree with Governor Cooper’s position on the protections. Moreover, when directly asked who they trust more to handle the coronavirus situation, a 55 percent majority select Governor Cooper/state government, compared to just 34 percent who select President Trump/federal government.

March 27, 2020

President’s job approval masks underlying concerns about virus response and the economy

While President Trump enjoys a bump in his approval ratings, underlying numbers on the economy and for Republicans in general don’t look as good. According to the Gallup Poll on Tuesday, President Donald Trump has matched his best ever approval rating of 49 percent. That’s up five points in the two weeks since his approval slid to 44 percent. The five point uptick for the President in the Gallup Poll is matched by other public polls conducted in the last week.

Americans rallying behind an executive during a crisis isn’t a new phenomenon, nor is it exclusive to the President. Governor Cooper, who has also been out front on COVID-19, has also seen his approval numbers increase. A PPP survey released on Tuesday has Cooper’s approval at 56 percent (higher than Trump’s 49 percent). Additionally, 63 percent of respondents said they support Cooper’s handling of the coronavirus. Similarly, the conservative NC Civitas Institute’s poll found Cooper with a 62 percent approval rating and Trump with 52 percent. 

March 23, 2020

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March 16, 2020

Get the latest on Coronavirus in NC

Following Gov. Cooper’s emergency declaration last Tuesday, State health officials have continued to keep North Carolinians updated on the status of COVD-19, or Coronavirus, in the state. Here’s what you need to know from North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and where you can go for more information.Where to find out more information as this develops:

• NCDHHS updates this webpage regularly with the latest information.
• NCDHHS has set up a call center for 24/7 guidance on COVID-19, to access it call 866-462-3821.

March 9, 2020

2020 Legislative Races to Watch: Primary Update

With Super Tuesday behind us, 2020 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal legislative elections in North Carolina history. Democrats have a clear path to win majorities in both chambers of the legislature after historic pickups last cycle broke Republican supermajorities. With a decennial census and subsequent redistricting coming up, control of the legislature will impact not only the next two years, but also the next decade of North Carolina policy. Competitive races for Governor and a US Senate seat are gaining significant media attention and the state looks to once again be a key presidential battleground. In totality, these races represent major change from last cycle’s blue moon election with no top of the ticket races. 

This report highlights the 27 House and 14 Senate districts most likely to be competitive this cycle. This assessment incorporates candidate fundraising information where available, detailed analysis of new legislative districts (including past Democratic performance and demographic information), and other qualitative data about each candidate. Expect the list to shift as the election approaches and new information becomes available.

February 21, 2020

2020 Races to Watch: First Quarter Campaign Finance Reports

2020 first quarter campaign finance reports are due February 25, 2020. Here we've aggregated Election to Date totals for candidates on our 2020 Races to Watch list as well as key statewide races. Check back frequently for updates!