We can make convincing arguments to pause for a time so we can emotionally absorb what happened on Nov. 5. And as political humorist Andy Borowitz noted in a recent public radio podcast, there’s nothing wrong with taking a breath and “zooming out” for a time.
That’s especially true as we wrap up Thanksgiving and set our sights on the holiday season. And with the exception of our loud objections to this month’s shenanigans in Raleigh, we agree zooming out is the thing to do.
But before we do, we want to point out some of the good things that happened on Nov. 5. Setting aside the awful national results, there’s a lot to be cheery about in North Carolina — confirmed once again as a solidly purple state. So before we start shopping, wrapping presents, and attending holiday parties, let’s consider the following:
North Carolina elected Democrats to top Council of State positions
Josh Stein, Governor
Rachel Hunt, Lieutenant Governor
Jeff Jackson, Attorney General
Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State
Mo Green, Superintendent of Public Instruction
And, we broke the General Assembly supermajority!
Brunswick County Democrats outperformed the odds
In the 2020 Election (when Brunswick County’s registered Democrats numbered 24%), only ONE candidate in Brunswick County (Federal, State, or Local) broke 40% of the vote: Gov. Roy Cooper, with 41% (Republican Dan Forest received 58%).
In the 2022 Midterms (when Brunswick County’s registered Democrats numbered 22%), the Democratic candidate who received the highest vote percentage of ANY Democrat on the ballot here — 38% — was Eric Terashima, our outstanding candidate for NC General Assembly (Dist. 17 v. Frank Iler).
In this 2024 Election, with the smallest percentage yet of registered Democrats in our county (20%), Brunswick County went for Josh Stein (with 48% of the vote)! In addition, the following other Democratic candidates broke 40% of the vote here: Jeff Jackson, Attorney General, 41%
Rachel Hunt, Lieutenant Governor, 40%
Tom Simmons, County Commissioner, 40%
Jonathan Damico, County Commissioner, 40%
We also had four candidates who tied or exceeded the 2022 top vote getter (Terashima, 38%): Elaine Marshall, 39%; Mo Green, 39%; Allison Riggs, 39%; and Charles Jones, 38%
The Brunswick County Democratic Party has emerged stronger than ever
BCDP will be entering 2025 as a bigger and stronger party, having gained many more active volunteers; built knowledge of the local political landscape, particularly regarding the county commissioners; and increased our coffers.
We’ve already had three people step up to be precinct chairs in previously unorganized precincts (Bolivia, Frying Pan, and Town Creek).
We’ve built strong alliances with fabulous friends like the New Hanover County Democratic Party, We Will Not Go Back Coastal NC, and the Liberals of Oak Island.
We’ve developed relationships with non-profits and other bipartisan community groups who share our passion for protecting our county from the excesses of over-development (like Preserve Shallotte Point/Brunswick County, No High-Density Southport, Sierra Club, and Brunswick County Conservation Partnership).
We’re getting a head start on the 2026 elections, with several people already expressing an interest in running for office.
We will continue to organize and work together to fight for the fair, equitable, just, and compassionate county and country we aspire to live in.
And we’re just getting started! More to come!
Here’s another suggestion. In addition to getting your flu and COVID shots, don’t forget to take advantage of the Biden Administration’s offer for free COVID test kits. It’s extremely unlikely the offer will be repeated, so sign up now for four kits at covidtests.gov.
In upcoming issues of our newsletter, we’ll have some thoughts on how we can leverage the positive aspects of the 2024 election in the coming year. We’ll also have some more in-depth analyses to share once all the final election data is uploaded from the NC State Board of Elections.
Until then, zoom out and enjoy the holiday season, secure in the knowledge that the convicted felon will never appear on a ballot again.