akins station

Durham Elections

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Raleigh Mayor’s Race Narrows as Top Candidates Emerge (June 1, 2025)

The race for Raleigh’s next mayor is heating up, with incumbent Mary-Ann Baldwin facing strong challenges from City Council member Corey Branch and conservative newcomer James Bledsoe. Baldwin, running on her record of economic growth, is defending against criticism over rising housing costs. Branch has positioned himself as a progressive alternative, while Bledsoe appeals to voters frustrated with city spending. Recent polls show Baldwin with a slight lead, but undecided voters could swing the race.

Durham DA Race Turns Contentious Over Criminal Justice Reform (June 3, 2025)

The Durham District Attorney race has become a battleground over criminal justice policies, with incumbent Satana Deberry defending her reformist record against challenger Daniel Meier, a former prosecutor. Deberry touts reduced incarceration rates, while Meier argues her policies have led to rising repeat offenses. A recent debate turned heated, with Meier accusing Deberry of being “soft on crime,” while she countered that his approach would worsen racial disparities.

Wake County School Board Elections Draw Record Interest (June 5, 2025)

A surge in candidate filings signals high stakes for Wake County’s school board elections, with debates over book bans, teacher pay, and school funding dominating the race. Incumbent Lindsay Mahaffey faces three challengers in District 8, including a conservative activist pushing for curriculum changes. Parent groups on both sides are mobilizing, making this one of the most closely watched local races.

Raleigh Council Incumbents Face Progressive Challengers (June 7, 2025)

Several Raleigh City Council incumbents are fighting for survival against progressive challengers advocating for rent control and climate action. In District D, activist Jane Harrison is gaining momentum against longtime Councilman David Cox, criticizing his ties to developers. Meanwhile, District A’s Patrick Buffkin remains favored but faces a well-funded opponent. The results could shift the council’s ideological balance.

Durham Approves Early Voting Expansion Amid Legal Challenge (June 9, 2025)

Durham County commissioners voted to add three early voting sites, but the decision is facing a GOP-led lawsuit alleging partisan favoritism. Advocates argue the move increases accessibility, particularly for low-income voters. The case could set a precedent for voting rights battles ahead of the November elections.

Poll Shows Tight Race for NC House District 34 (June 11, 2025)

A new Meredith College poll shows Democrat Sarah Crawford and Republican Fred Von Canon in a dead heat for NC House District 34, covering parts of Raleigh and Garner. The race is seen as a bellwether for suburban voter sentiment, with Crawford emphasizing education and Von Canon focusing on tax cuts. Outside groups are pouring money into ads, signaling a fierce battle ahead.

Controversy Erupts Over Developer Donations in Cary Elections (June 13, 2025)

Cary Town Council candidates are under scrutiny after reports revealed heavy developer contributions, particularly to pro-growth incumbent Jack Smith. Opponents accuse him of favoring high-density projects over community concerns. Affordable housing advocates are rallying behind challenger Michelle Craig, who has sworn off developer money.

Wake County DA Faces Ethics Complaint Weeks Before Primary (June 17, 2025)

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman is embroiled in controversy after a conservative watchdog group filed an ethics complaint alleging improper case dismissals. Freeman denies wrongdoing, calling the complaint a politically motivated attack. Her primary opponent, defense attorney Damon Chetson, has seized on the issue, arguing for more transparency.

Raleigh’s Affordable Housing Bond Divides Candidates

A proposed $200 million affordable housing bond is splitting Raleigh’s mayoral and council candidates. Baldwin supports it as critical for addressing displacement, while Bledsoe calls it “fiscally reckless.” Branch backs the bond but wants stronger tenant protections. The issue is resonating with voters as housing costs continue to rise.

Durham Council Race Highlights Gentrification Fears (June 21, 2025)

Gentrification is the defining issue in Durham’s Ward 3 council race, with incumbent Pierce Freelon facing activist Carl Rist, who accuses him of not doing enough to protect long-time residents. Rist has gained traction with a platform calling for stricter rent controls and community land trusts.

Record Early Voting Turnout in Wake County (June 23, 2025)

Early voting numbers in Wake County have shattered previous records, with over 50,000 ballots cast in the first week. Elections officials attribute the surge to competitive races and expanded voting hours. Democrats are outpacing Republicans, but unaffiliated voters could play a decisive role.

Attack Ads Target Raleigh Council Candidates (June 25, 2025)

A dark money group has launched attack ads against two progressive Raleigh council candidates, accusing them of “radical defund-the-police” policies. The ads, funded by a real estate-linked PAC, have been condemned as misleading. The targeted candidates are fighting back with grassroots fundraising.

Durham Mayoral Candidates Clash in Final Debate (June 26, 2025)

Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal and challenger Javiera Caballero sparred over crime, housing, and economic equity in a fiery final debate. O’Neal defended her public safety record, while Caballero argued for more aggressive action on homelessness. Polls show the race remains too close to call.

Last-Minute Endorsements Shake Up Key Races (June 26, 2025)

In a surprise move, The News & Observer endorsed underdog Corey Branch for Raleigh mayor, while the Durham People’s Alliance doubled down on O’Neal. With just days until the primary, these endorsements could sway undecided voters in two of the region’s most competitive races.