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 plan to expand Medicaid includes other significant changes to health care
Gun reform a longshot; Medicaid expansion possible
This Charlotte progressive wants more from the Party
Cawthorn and McCrory defeated, as the Primary turns General
Primary results: what happened, why, and where does it go next
The rise and fall of early voting; Cooper unveils another spending plan
Closing in on the primary
North Carolina readies for a post-Roe world, while Madison Cawthorn tries to brush off another attack
What a post-Roe world could look like in North Carolina
With early voting underway, Cawthorn's latest goof, and another Leandro twist
Remembering notorious campaign operative Leslie McCrae Dowless
An unprecedented confirmation, and Trump is back in NC
Popular non-profit TROSA faces questions about ethical treatment of its clients.
Cawthorn faces the GOP base, a major EV maker on the way
With college athletes earning money, questions about collectives arise
An apology from the Lt. Gov, changes on the bench
Political strategy with the primary weeks away
Safe Bus: An undertold story of NC history
Against the Odds: Political organizers hope to buck expectations in 2022
A VP visit, the latest Medicaid discussion, and an intriguing double-bunking
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