Voters are focused on lowering costs and economic stability, and Cooper’s message is gaining traction as many North Carolinians reconsider Republican leadership.
“Rural communities are the backbone of North Carolina, and it’s important that we hear directly from people across our state… These listening sessions help us focus our efforts and make smart investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and health care.”
Republican activists and voters are discontent with the Republican establishment, claiming they’ve lost touch with the voters they’re meant to represent, and during this pivotal election year, the discontent can be seen up and down the ballot.
“Our students need funding in our public schools. We see the lack of a state budget impacting our educators, because they are having to make real decisions about if they are going to remain in the profession,” said North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly.
Whatley’s lobbyist background is drawing increased scrutiny as energy costs rise across the state. Advocates argue that decisions made in Washington and in the state legislature have consistently favored corporate utilities over consumers, leaving North Carolinians to shoulder the burden.
Ultimately, Newton’s inaction puts tens of thousands of his constituents at risk of losing their insurance. In addition, rural healthcare systems from Goldsboro to Mount Olive, bastions of medical education, major employers, and providers of critical care to eastern North Carolina, will face cuts to their already decimated systems.
Despite her knowledge of finances and ability to help pass budgets, Barnes and her Republican colleagues have chosen to leave her constituents and the state in financial limbo.
Lee and his Republican colleagues’ impasse means that our state is failing to fill the gap, causing over one billion dollars to be taken out of our health care system and putting our already underfunded education system at further risk.
Another month into 2026 means another month without a state budget for North Carolinians as state lawmakers show no sign of progress in negotiations. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warns that the lack of a budget puts North Carolina’s economic growth at risk.
As North Carolina heads toward a competitive 2026 election cycle, the outcome of this policy shift may have far-reaching consequences.