AGP Executive Report

Election 2026: Early in-person voting starts Oct. 15, with North Carolina voters facing federal, state and local races on Nov. 3. A constitutional amendment would require lawmakers to set limits on local property-tax increases, but voters won’t know the cap or exceptions before they vote. Cost of Living: The legislature approved a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent gas tax through Nov. 30; the bill is awaiting Gov. Josh Stein’s approval. Senate Race: A leading Republican super PAC has pulled millions in planned spending from North Carolina’s closely watched U.S. Senate contest and shifted funds to Kansas, signaling a tougher fight for the GOP. Local Government: Raleigh approved a six-month moratorium on data centers as debate grows over their impact on power costs and communities. Rural Services: Stein announced more than $17 million for mental-health services through the state’s rural health program.

Fuel Tax: North Carolina lawmakers passed a pause on the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas and diesel taxes through Nov. 30, sending the bill to Gov. Josh Stein. Democrats backed the measure but criticized its election-season timing; the bill would use state reserves to replace lost transportation revenue. Rural Health: Stein and NCDHHS announced more than $17 million for rural mental health and substance-use services, including crisis teams, behavioral health clinics and opioid treatment access. Local Government: The Local Government Commission has taken control of Ronda’s finances after the town made little progress toward dissolving its charter amid financial trouble. Election Watch: Voter registration closes Oct. 9, and early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 15; same-day registration is available during early voting. Energy Policy: Duke Energy and data center operators agreed on a required rate structure for large energy users, though critics say questions remain about protecting other customers from costs.

Gas Tax Fight: North Carolina lawmakers returned to Raleigh to consider suspending the 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Gov. Josh Stein welcomed relief but questioned the timing, with early voting near. Election Countdown: Voter registration closes Friday, Oct. 9, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. In the U.S. Senate race, Republican groups have shifted millions in ad spending away from North Carolina as Democrat Roy Cooper holds a lead over Michael Whatley. Data Center Pause: Raleigh’s City Council approved a six-month pause on new large data-center approvals as residents press for more time to weigh the projects’ impacts. Workforce Grants: The state awarded $660,000 to 13 local workforce boards to strengthen employer partnerships and expand work-based learning, including apprenticeships.

Midterms & money: A new Cook Political Report forecast shifts the North Carolina U.S. Senate race to “Likely Democrat,” while also moving Kansas to “Toss Up,” as Republicans worry their cash edge may not be enough against Trump drag and rising fuel-price pressure. NC election logistics: Guilford County voters have until Friday to register before early voting starts Oct. 15, with a reminder that late registrants can still register and vote during early voting. State politics & housing: Gov. Josh Stein toured a Southeast Raleigh affordable housing project (“Promise 25”) highlighting recent legislation aimed at cutting red tape and expanding housing supply. Ports & environment: Local reporting says “forever chemicals” concerns are prompting the North Carolina State Ports Authority to pause a Wilmington dredging plan pending further review by the Army Corps. Local government finance: The Local Government Commission voted to assume financial control of Ronda (Wilkes County) and Rowland (Robeson County) to keep services running as both towns face fiscal distress. Legal fight over 9/11 funds: NC AG JB McCuskey joined a coalition urging the Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims access frozen Taliban funds tied to court judgments. Water quality win: Mount Airy received a state award for meeting drinking-water standards, even after a tough summer.

Election 2026 (North Carolina): With Election Day Nov. 3 and early voting starting Oct. 15, Buncombe County voters face a key deadline: regular registration ends Oct. 9 at 5 p.m., with same-day registration only available during early voting. Campaigns & Candidates: In the 94th House District, Republican Blair Eddins and Democrat Andy Warren answered questions from the Wilkes Journal-Patriot, including over HB 328 and hemp-derived THC limits. U.S. House race spotlight: A new look at Rep. Don Davis’ Air Force Academy yearbook highlights provocative past remarks as he seeks a third term in NC-1. U.S. Senate ad dispute: Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center demanded Sen. Roger Marshall pause a commercial using an unauthorized photo of children tied to a separate abuse allegation. State government & workforce: The N.C. Department of Commerce awarded $660,000 in employer engagement grants to 13 local workforce boards to expand apprenticeships and work-based learning. Public safety & schools: N.C. officials reported progress on some school safety measures in the 2025 youth survey, while sexual violence remains a persistent concern. Energy & local politics: North Carolina lawmakers are again weighing gas and diesel tax relief as fuel prices stay volatile.

Midterm Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis is publicly escalating his break with the Trump White House, calling his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth his “biggest regret” and urging Hegseth to step down as Election Day nears. Public Safety: In Bertie County, officials warned of a “massive public safety crisis” after the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail closure and SBI takeover, while a separate multiagency operation in Lenoir County netted 116 charges in a five-hour saturation patrol. Cost of Living & Taxes: North Carolina lawmakers are set to return for a special session to consider suspending the state gas tax amid soaring fuel prices, as Wake County residents brace for a looming 2027 property revaluation. Healthcare & Early Childhood: Gov. Josh Stein urged HHS to protect Head Start standards, and state leaders are weighing how to lower healthcare costs through a new Health Care Affordability Commission. Local Government Watch: A state auditor report found Ronda’s finances are deteriorating, with recurring expenses outpacing revenues and the town’s investment account nearly depleted. Elections & Voting Access: With a month to go, reporting highlights how absentee voting works in North Carolina and shows voter registration gains skewing heavily toward unaffiliated voters. Law & Policy: Charlotte is considering changes to its towing ordinance to curb predatory towing, but state law limits how much the city can control pricing.

Medicaid & Autism Care: North Carolina’s four private Medicaid plans launched a joint fraud task force focused on provider billing, with autism therapy (ABA) spending topping $505 million in 2025—raising stakes for clinics and families watching for tighter scrutiny. Election Countdown: With Election Day about a month out, North Carolina voters are getting reminders on registration and early voting timelines, while national coverage highlights how campaign money and turnout dynamics could shape the 2026 midterms. Constitutional Amendments Fight: Opinion and analysis continue to swirl around the three constitutional amendments on North Carolina’s ballot, including a proposed income tax cap at 3.5%, as critics warn the legislature is “tying future hands.” Courts & Labor: The N.C. Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay in the Department of Labor’s dispute with a fired employee, pausing an administrative law judge’s final decision. Local Infrastructure: Buncombe County is moving forward on nearly $1.8 million in state grants for sidewalk repairs and extensions in Swannanoa. Public Safety: A motorcycle crash on U.S. 401 near Fuquay-Varina left one dead and another injured, underscoring ongoing concerns about dangerous stretches of the corridor. Higher Ed & Mental Health: UNC-Chapel Hill students are running “Fight Week” to tackle youth suicide through mental health programming and an amateur boxing event.

Nonprofit Grants: The Wilkes Community Foundation’s advisory board approved $10,440 in grants to eight local nonprofits, backing everything from career-readiness and child advocacy to a diaper pantry and digital health literacy. Domestic Violence Aftermath: In Wake County, Sheremy Dillard’s aunt described the family’s grief after the coach/teacher’s death, as her boyfriend faces murder charges. Public Safety: In Rockingham County, an SBI agent and two deputies were shot during a search in Reidsville; the suspect was arrested after hiding in a crawl space. Local Government Memorial: King dedicated an overpass sign honoring longtime Mayor Jack Warren, who served 24 years. Elections Prep: North Carolina voters have early voting in-person from Oct. 15-31, with key deadlines including Oct. 9 registration and Oct. 20 absentee requests. Energy/Accountability: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson accused Duke Energy of giving incorrect information under oath in a Utilities Commission rate case, escalating the dispute over residential rate increases. Midterm Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis warned about the executive branch’s “outsized influence,” arguing Congress must act as a co-equal branch.

Federal Hemp Policy: Congress voted to close the loophole that let the $28B hemp THC market operate, putting North Carolina producers and consumers on alert for a looming federal ban. Public Safety: The N.C. SBI says a man charged with nearly a dozen felonies after a special agent was shot during a Reidsville search is expected to recover. State Politics & Cost of Living: GOP legislative leaders announced a special session aimed at easing high gas prices, with details still unclear as drivers report feeling squeezed. Elections: North Carolina’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 midterms is this week, with early in-person voting starting Oct. 15. Campaign Trail: Roy Cooper is campaigning in Asheville on “Make Stuff Cost Less,” tying affordability to health care, groceries, utilities, and Hurricane Helene recovery. Local Government & Transparency: A call for transparency is growing around the UDO zoning process, while residents raise concerns about how major plans—like data centers—are being handled behind the scenes. Community Resilience: DEQ says it awarded $861M for Helene-related drinking water and wastewater projects, earning national recognition for recovery work in Western North Carolina.

Special Session Watch: North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate Leader Phil Berger agreed to call a special session to tackle high gas and diesel prices, but they haven’t set a date or spelled out what lawmakers will consider—coming after Gov. Josh Stein directed the state to suspend penalties so farmers can use red-dyed diesel through 2026. Election Security: In Beaufort County, a “Vote Your Voice” forum drew elections officials and advocates urging voters to trust the process and pushing a resolution for state leaders as early voting nears. NC Senate Politics: A major GOP super PAC reportedly pulled back spending in North Carolina’s Senate race, shifting money to Kansas, signaling uncertainty about Michael Whatley’s chances against Roy Cooper. Public Safety: An SBI agent was shot and wounded during a Reidsville search for a suspect; Marvin D. White faces attempted murder and assault charges. Local Crime: Jacksonville police are investigating after human skeletal remains were found near U.S. 17 and Yopp Road, with identity pending medical examiner confirmation. Rural Health Innovation: ECU Health joined an electric aviation initiative (eLIFT-NC) to test how electric aircraft could move supplies and support rural care. Wildlife Commission: Caldwell native Zack Benfield was sworn in as a new NC Wildlife Resources Commission commissioner.

Midterms, final month: New reporting and polling coverage point to a tightening national picture as Democrats gain momentum and Republicans scramble with cash and messaging heading into November. North Carolina Senate race: A Carolina Journal poll highlights Roy Cooper’s lead over Michael Whatley, while other coverage frames the contest as part of a broader Senate map shift. State constitutional amendments: Support remains high for three N.C. amendments, but experts warn the changes would lock new limits into the state constitution and could create long-term headaches. Taxpayer-funded Trump ads: CNN reports the White House has run a large, taxpayer-backed ad blitz—including “God Made Trump”—as Republicans face volatility in the final stretch. Campaign politics in N.C.: Playbook reports GOP Sen. Thom Tillis’ profanity-laced private texts to Trump are fueling fresh fallout as the midterm season heats up. Cannabis policy in Raleigh: An N.C. advisory panel is laying groundwork for public cannabis consumption rules ahead of a December deadline for Gov. Josh Stein. Health care politics: Bloomberg reports Trump is promising $90 Medicare Part B premium payments for millions of seniors, adding to the affordability-focused campaign push.

NC Senate battleground: A major Republican super PAC paused and redirected spending away from North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, underscoring GOP worries about Michael Whatley trailing Roy Cooper as Election Day nears. State politics & courts: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a federal court terminated consent decrees tied to student transfer rules and also detailed a major Monsanto settlement over environmental contamination—both moves highlight how state AGs are shaping education and environmental outcomes through litigation. Trade & national security: U.S. senators including Thom Tillis warned China is rapidly expanding control of silicon carbide, urging the Trump administration to strengthen domestic and allied production of a key material for advanced tech and defense. Local government & growth: Caterpillar’s planned $1 billion Sanford investment drew praise from Lee County and city leaders as a boost for jobs and advanced manufacturing. Public safety & tech: A North Carolina man wanted for human trafficking was arrested in Tennessee with help from Flock automated license plate readers. Election logistics: Union County reported unaffiliated voter growth, while national coverage flagged how voter registration deadlines vary widely by state.

Senate GOP Strategy Shift: The Senate Leadership Fund is pausing its ad spending in North Carolina while pouring seven figures into Kansas, signaling Republicans see the NC Senate fight as slipping behind Democrat Roy Cooper. State Politics & Voting: North Carolina voters will decide next month on a constitutional voter ID change that would lock photo ID requirements for both in-person and mail ballots into the state constitution. Energy & Environment: A coalition led by AG William Tong is suing to challenge an EPA/NHTSA rollback weakening power-plant pollution and fuel economy standards, arguing it harms consumers and the planet. Rural Economy & Land Protection: North Carolina awarded $51.2 million in farmland preservation grants across dozens of counties, aiming to protect working farms and forests. Workforce Pipeline: With worker shortages looming, North Carolina is leaning on community college initiatives to build credentials and connect rural employers with trained workers. Election Administration Watch: Federal officials say immigration enforcement won’t be stationed at polling places, but advocates warn rhetoric and enforcement activity could still chill voters. Local Government & Growth: Forsyth County commissioners declined to advance a proposed six-month data-center pause, keeping existing rules in place.

ICE at the polls: DHS says it won’t send immigration enforcement officers to patrol polling places, but activists and voting-rights groups are preparing anyway as midterm early voting begins. Voting access in NC: North Carolina voters are getting confusing mailers tied to a settlement with the DOJ, warning some may need updated information by Oct. 9 or face provisional ballots. Local transportation politics: Charlotte’s council voted to cooperate on the I-77 South toll lane deal after earlier rescinding support, with critics pointing to a “poison pill” state budget threat. Public safety: Two brothers were charged in a Charlotte-area shooting spree that included a CMPD officer case, and authorities say one suspect fled with NC plates. Health care scams: Nearly 1 million HealthCare.gov enrollees start receiving $500 ACA refund checks, raising fresh concerns about copycat fraud. Death penalty scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched Christa Pike execution is renewing questions about lethal injection practices. State policy change: NC DMV ends license plate stickers and shifts vehicle registration fully digital starting Oct. 1. Rural workforce: Hyde County Schools signed with WGU North Carolina to expand flexible degree pathways for staff.

K-12 School Choice Fight: The Trump administration’s federal scholarship tax credit program is set to launch Jan. 1, with new Treasury guidance released this week—allowing donations to scholarship-granting organizations to generate federal tax credits and expanding options for private school and homeschooling families in participating states. Voter Access in Court: North Carolina voter ID critics are pressing their case before the 4th Circuit, arguing the state’s 2018 law was enacted with a racially discriminatory purpose. Education Oversight in Charlotte: NC’s State Board of Education chair and Superintendent Mo Green say they’re coordinating with the State Auditor and SBI to investigate alleged financial irregularities in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Public Health & Safety: Gov. Josh Stein declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged North Carolinians to wear purple on Oct. 15. Environment & Water: The U.S. Drought Monitor reports 62 NC counties still in drought, including parts of Guilford and Rockingham in exceptional drought. State Politics & Policy: A tax policy group says Virginia’s Amendment 3 would cost local governments $12 billion a year—fueling the broader debate over property-tax limits and local service funding. Health Care Enforcement: AG Jeff Jackson announced a $98,474 Medicaid fraud settlement tied to an unqualified nurse at a Burlington nursing home. Local Government Tech: Brunswick County commissioners paused new Flock Safety license plate reader purchases for 30 days amid privacy concerns and an SBI review.

Elections & Voting Access: North Carolina’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election is Oct. 9, with online registration via the DMV and mail options available; voters can also check registration status and polling info through the state’s voter search tool. Immigration Enforcement: A News & Observer report says North Carolina agencies required under a GOP-backed bill to sign ICE agreements have started doing so, including the State Highway Patrol, raising questions about how state officers will carry out immigration enforcement. Healthcare & Cost Relief: The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states who paid premiums without federal help, while subsidies recipients are excluded. State Politics & Campaigns: A North Carolina Senate race narrative is tightening as GOP doubts grow about Senate wins in Georgia and North Carolina, with attention on how national politics could drag down down-ballot candidates. Local Government: Candidates for Alamance County Board of Commissioners debated growth, zoning in unincorporated areas, budgets, and collaboration, with data centers emerging as a key development issue. Public Safety: Randolph County deputies arrested a registered sex offender for failing to update her address, charging her with felony failure to notify. Rural Health: Gov. Josh Stein directed a $20 million rural health initiative to expand access for providers across North Carolina.