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.
Power returns, Tillis negotiates, and justices consider a new normal
Is SCOTUS holding a democracy grenade with Moore v. Harper?
Legislative leadership unchanged, a major federal elections case heads to SCOTUS
Is a 'Digital Civil War' on the horizon?
Unpacking the midterms results
Election impacts
Election Day breakdown: GOP just shy of supermajority in NC House
Governor Cooper forms commission, Election Day predictions
A forecast for election night
Early voting in full swing, SCOTUS briefs pour in
An authentic longshot candidate
Political winds shift, another shooting aftermath
Important and obscure: North Carolina's judicial elections
A heavy-handed search
In Wake County referenda on schools, community college, parks
Beasley and Budd debate in NC, as national Democrats spend elsewhere
A supermajority fight in the NC House
Campaign ads turn nasty, and a visit from the treasury secretary
Battling for a supermajority in the NC Senate
Senate leader Phil Berger talks midterms, migration, and his future
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