Axios Charlotte

November 06, 2024
Hello, Wednesday. It's Ashley.
🌧 Weather: High 77. PM showers.
🍰 Happy birthday to Axios Charlotte member Gary Blouin!
Situational awareness: Former President Trump will be the 47th president, the AP projected early this morning after calling Wisconsin in his favor at about 5:30am.
- Trump's victory was decisive and historic. He swept all four swing states the AP called overnight — North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and now Wisconsin — and holds leads in three others. Follow along with our national desk's live updates this morning.
- In North Carolina, Democrats did claim several key statewide races. More on that below.
Today's Smart Brevity™️ count is 945 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: 🗳 North Carolina is the same as it ever was
For the third time in eight years, North Carolina voters delivered the state to Republican President Trump — and to a Democratic candidate in the race for governor.
Why it matters: Tuesday night's results were a reminder that despite the state's rapid growth and shifting demographics, North Carolina is the same as it ever was: swingy, unpredictable and reliably purple.
The latest: The race between Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and embattled Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was over before 9pm Tuesday. Robinson conceded shortly thereafter.
- North Carolina was also the first swing state called in the presidential race — the Associated Press declared Trump the winner here around 11:15pm.
Yes, but: North Carolina Democrats appear to have broken the GOP's supermajority in the state legislature, flipping a key seat an hour east of Raleigh.
Zoom out: Voters seem to have ping-ponged between Democrats and Republicans as they made their way down the ballot this year, electing members of both parties in the statewide council of state races.
- Democratic Congressman Jeff Jackson defeated Republican Congressman Dan Bishop in the race for attorney general. And Democrat Mo Green won a high-profile race for state schools superintendent over Republican Michele Morrow. Democrats also led in the races for secretary of state and lieutenant governor.
- In the race for agriculture commissioner, though, Republican incumbent Steve Troxler appears to have held onto his seat, defeating Democrat Sarah Taber. And Republican Luke Farley defeated Charlotte Democrat Braxton Winston for labor commissioner.
- Republicans also claimed insurance commissioner and state treasurer, and led in the state auditor's race.
What's next: North Carolina will continue its era of divided government, with a Democrat in the governor's mansion, Republicans in control of the state legislature and the courts, and both parties well-represented on the council of state.
2. 🤷🏻♀️ Other notable wins, losses and TBDs
Democrats and Republicans each appeared to take one victory in the battles over three Mecklenburg County legislative swing districts. One race is far too close to call.
- GOP: In House District 105, Tricia Cotham, who switched parties mid-legislative session last year, was leading by a little under 300 votes.
- DEM: In House District 98, Beth Helfrich, a former teacher, was leading Republican and former Huntersville mayor Melinda Bales with all precincts reporting. She'd take the place of four-term Republican Rep. John Bradford.
- TBD: Democrat Woodson Bradley, a realtor, ended the night with a 27-vote lead over Republican Stacie McGinn, a former Bank of America executive, in the Senate District 42 race.
Several popular Charlotte-area politicians tried to make the move to Raleigh. Some were successful.
- Natasha Marcus, another local Democratic state senator, failed in her attempt to oust Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.
- Braxton Winston sacrificed his post as Charlotte mayor pro tem to run for labor commissioner. He was defeated by Wake County attorney Luke Farley.
- Wesley Harris, a state representative for Mecklenburg County, was beaten by Republican Brad Briner in the state treasurer's race.
Locally, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners will stay all blue as all the Democratic incumbents in districts won their races.
3. 🗳 Jeff Jackson wins attorney general race
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson will be the state's new attorney general after defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop.
Why it matters: As the state's top lawyer, Jackson will provide legal advice to the General Assembly and state officials.
- During his time in office, outgoing AG Josh Stein took on high-profile legal battles against opioid companies and illegal robocall operators.
- And if history repeats itself, Jackson could be on the road to becoming a future governor. The AG office is widely considered a springboard to the governor's mansion.
By the numbers: Jackson claimed more than 51% of the vote to Bishop's 49%.
- Bishop conceded shortly after 11pm, WFAE reported.
Zoom in: Jackson has promised to tackle the fentanyl epidemic and prepare the state's defense against artificial intelligence scams.
Full race story ... Jackson's rise from a young state senator to a congressman with a global TikTok following
🌀 The loop (we're keeping you in it)
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4. 📸 Election Day in photos
Election Day turnout in Mecklenburg was a key issue and indicator for the election, with Harris needing a surge here after Republicans saw a wave of early voters.
- Some precincts in town were largely quiet, but others — especially in north Charlotte — had long lines and a party atmosphere.
Take your career to the next level
💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.
- Sr. Product Manager - Credit Systems at Lowe's Companies, Inc.
- Videographer & Media Producer at Discovery Place.
- Registered Nurse, RN - Neurology Intermediate at Presbyterian Medical Center at Novant Health.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Post a job.
5. ⚽️ Charlotte FC watch party and other speed reads
⚽️ Charlotte FC will host a free watch party (ticket required) for Saturday's playoff match at Orlando City. (Axios)
🏈 The Carolina Panthers traded wide receiver Jonathan Mingo to the Dallas Cowboys and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for the Cowboys' 2025 fourth-round pick. (🔒 Athletic)
🛣️ The N.C. Department of Transportation said Interstate 40 near Pigeon River Gorge will reopen with one lane in each direction by New Year's Day, restoring access to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line after Helene wiped away part of the highway. (WRAL)
🏙 Charlotte companies are reshaping their DEI efforts. (WFAE)
💰 The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County may contribute up to $19 million for infrastructure related to a south Charlotte development. (CBJ 🔒)
Things to do
📅 Upcoming events around the city.
- Register for free trees with TreesCharlotte at City of Charlotte Landscape Management Nov 8-14: 600 free trees are waiting. Residents in 28206, 28208, 28213 28214, 28216 zip codes are invited to register and oin them on 1/16 to get trees and educational resources. Registration opens 11/8.
- Cover Me Up Music Festival at The Amp Ballantyne Sat: Rock out with tribute bands and enjoy live performances celebrating the music of Chicago, Eric Clapton, Foreigner, Journey, and Bon Jovi. $36.
- Autumn Harvest Dinner at Dover Vineyards Sat: Don't miss this four-course meal curated by Chef Taylor Kastl of the Teal Turnip and paired with wines from Dover Vineyards. $100.
- Talk of The Table: Wine and Dine Experience at Ruth's Chris, SouthPark Sat: Enjoy a 4-course meal, wine tasting, and etiquette tips to elevate your executive presence at Ruth's Chris SouthPark. Promo code: WINEANDDINE2024. $150.
- Bowl Street Pop Up Market at The Bowl at Ballantyne Sat: Support local during a pop up vendor market in the heart of The Bowl. Enjoy boutiques, jewelry, accessories, gifts and more.
- Red Bull Non-Stock 600 at AvidXchange Music Factory Nov 9: Red Bull Non-Stock 600 is coming to Charlotte. The competition pits teams against one another in a go-kart race around an oval track.
- Kit-Tea Tasting at Humane Society of Charlotte Sun: Sip festive holiday and
- dessert teas while meeting adorable, adoptable kittens at the Kit-Tea Tasting and maybe find your purrfect furever friend to snuggle with for the holidays. $30.
- UNC Charlotte-Ginkgo Residential Guest Speaker Series at Independent Picture House Nov 11: Enjoy an evening out, courtesy of Ginkgo Residential! Explore all six thought-provoking ideas in this potent series from expert faculty in UNC Charlotte's Capitalism Studies program. Free concessions.
- Fall Festival at Innovation Barn Nov 13:The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Eco-Festival: Buzzin' Honey Harvest & Fin-tastic Fish Fry Bonanza. Join them for a Bee-autiful Feast, Eco-Friendly Fun & a Celebration of Local, Sustainable Practices.
- Central Piedmont Academic Program Open Houses at Central Campus, Parr Center, Theater Lobby Nov 14: Learn about our college transfer options and explore programs to prepare for careers in hospitality, cosmetology, education, and many more.
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical at Children's Theatre of Charlotte Nov 22-Dec 22: One of Charlotte's favorite holiday traditions returns! Join Children's Theatre of Charlotte for the hilariously, heartwarming music, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical." $22.
Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.
Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing
6. 🏃♀️ Charlotte Marathon is sold out
We're in our running era, Charlotte, meaning you either know someone training for a race or you're training for one.
Driving the news: The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, set for Nov. 16, has sold out for the second time in its 20-year history.
- There are still spots available for the 5K.
By the numbers: More than 9,200 people have signed up for all race day events, which include the full and half marathon, full and half marathon relay, half marathon rucking division and the 5K.
What's next: You can join the waitlist for the full marathon here, volunteer or celebrate the event at a sendoff party this Sunday, Nov. 10, at Mattie's Diner (3100 The Plaza) at 3pm.
🏈 Thank you to David for reminding me that Wake Forest (4-4) hosts Cal (4-4) at 8pm on Friday, Nov. 8, on the ACC Network.
Thank you to Katie Peralta Soloff for editing this newsletter.
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