North Carolina is experiencing a significant political change: for the first time, unaffiliated and Republican voters now outnumber Democrats. Political analysts suggest that this shift has been evident for a while, and it is not surprising. They argue that Democrats have recently made significant changes to their political strategy, embracing ideologies that conflict with their base and neglecting their traditional blue-collar working-class supporters.
North Carolina's political landscape is shifting, highlighted by a U.S. Senate race that features former governor Roy Cooper as the likely Democratic nominee. His opponent is expected to be Michael Whatley, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), who has received President Donald Trump's endorsement. The outcome of this race is drawing national attention, as its implications for Congress are significant.
Cumberland County is set to play a crucial role in the U.S. Senate and down-ballot races, as it remains one of the few reliably "blue-leaning" counties in southeastern North Carolina. The involvement of prominent political figures is anticipated to encourage voters to support Governor Cooper and the Democratic Party. Will this strategy be enough to secure a victory in Cumberland County? Most likely, yes. However, the outcome across the state is a different matter.
While anything is possible, I doubt many are predicting Democrats to flip Republican-drawn congressional and legislative districts in southeastern North Carolina. Local focus is a different story. Since straight-ticket voting has been abolished and voters are compelled to make independent down-ballot choices, Cumberland County voters will have an interesting board of commissioner race on their ballot.
On March 3, the Cumberland County Democrats will hold a primary for six at-large commissioner candidates, with two advancing to the general election on Nov. 3, where they will face two at-large Republican hopefuls who will not have primary opponents.
The county commissioner at-large race presents a significant opportunity for local Democrats, as they appear particularly vulnerable in this area. The county board of commissioners has seen little change over the past few decades. It will be interesting to see if voters decide to re-elect familiar names with unimpressive records or support new candidates regardless of political party affiliation, with fresh visions who can help revitalize the board. Chairman Kirk deViere, now in his second consecutive year of leadership, is leading an effort to reinvigorate the board alongside two other members from District 2, Commissioners Pavan Patel and Henry Tyson. All three are entering their second year of a four-year term.
Cumberland County is classified as a Tier One county in North Carolina. It is also one of the 40 most economically distressed counties, as designated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This designation is based on various factors, including unemployment rates, median income levels, population growth, and other relevant indicators. Cumberland County’s economic status needs to change.
Fayetteville serves as the center of the Fayetteville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and officially includes Cumberland, Hoke, and Harnett Counties. It is also home to Fort Bragg, highlighting the importance of electing the best and brightest candidates for Cumberland County in the upcoming election.