Rodney Pierce, a middle school social studies teacher from Roanoke Rapids, narrowly defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Michael Wray in last month's Democratic primary. He campaigned with what he describes as an effort to "educate" voters about Wray's record in the N.C. House of voting with Republicans. Because no Republicans filed for the seat, Pierce will represent majority Black Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties in the legislature next year. Pierce spoke with WUNC's Colin Campbell about his goals to address economic development in an area he calls North Carolina's "Neglected Northeast," as well as how he mounted a successful primary campaign. He also discussed the challenges rural schools are facing and how his candidacy became a civics lesson for his students.
A 2021 State Politics Primer
With Biden In, Major Parties Consider Their Next Moves
With Trump Gone From The White House, Where Do NC Republicans Go Next?
Another Impeachment, More Threats Of Violence
Political Extremists: From Capitol Hill To Wilmington
Should NC Republicans Shoulder Any Blame For The Attack On The US Capitol?
Rep. Deborah Ross On A Chaotic Start To Congress
Will Anything In NC Politics Change In 2021?
Journalists Reflect On 2020
Biden Eyes North Carolina Leaders
Anatomy Of A Governor
Cooper's Curfew In Effect, And A Push For Loan Forgiveness
Congressman-Elect Cawthorn, A New Firebrand Of Conservatism?
Mark Walker Is First Out Of The 2022 Senate Gate
Representing The 6th: Kathy Manning Is Gearing Up For The U.S. House
Chasing Conventions, Candidates And The Truth
Lara Trump Eyes NC Senate Run In 2022
The Split Ticket: When Voters Go Outside The Party Lines
All North Carolina's Votes Are Now In
A Ticket Splitting Status Quo
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The State of Things on WUNC
American Songster Radio
Stories With A Heartbeat