Cory Vaillancourt
Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor and BPR Contributor-
Western North Carolina voters will choose their next member of Congress from a field of three: Republican state Sen. Chuck Edwards, Libertarian small business owner David Coatney and Democratic Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara. As voters head to the polls in early voting, BPR takes a closer look at where the three candidates stand with the January 6th insurrection.
-
Republicans in North Carolina’s General Assembly currently hold strong majorities in both the House and the Senate, but not strong enough to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto power. That could change in the upcoming elections, and some Western North Carolina races could play a role.
-
On Aug. 17, 2021, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred swept through Haywood County, dropping more than a foot of rain and causing flooding that killed six people. Now a year later, much has been done to repair the damage, but officials in Canton are focusing on resiliency as climate change suggests these disasters will become more common.
-
Chuck Edwards edges the Freshman Republican by 1,319 votes
-
A reproductive rights rally in Waynesville highlighted the deep national divisions over abortion as protests were held across the country this weekend.
-
Clinics in 10 U.S. cities — including one in Western North Carolina — have been approved by the FDA to expand patient access to MDMA. The recreational drug also known as Ecstasy, will be a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
-
In the Western North Carolina region, eight long-time sheriffs aren’t seeking reelection. BPR talked with retiring sheriffs and others about what this means for the region and the future of law enforcement.
-
There’s an energetic field of six Democrats hoping to make Congressman Madison Cawthorn a one-term congressman. This is part two of BPR's NC-11 primary coverage.
-
Western North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District has garnered national attention for electing one controversial Republican congressman followed by another who now finds himself in the fight of his political life.
-
North Carolina Senate District 47 is one of many that is unrecognizable after redistricting. Mitchell County Sen. Ralph Hise and Watauga County Sen. Deanna Ballard - both Republicans - will face each other in the Primary election for the seat. Here's how Haywood County - now a part of that district - could play a big role in the election.