AGP Executive Report

Early Voting: North Carolina’s midterm voting opened Thursday, with polls running through Oct. 31; voters can register and cast ballots at the same time. Access is already a concern: the state elections board rejected an on-campus site at NC A&T, while a Talley student voting site was moved across Western Boulevard. Senate Race: Recent polling shows Democrat Roy Cooper ahead of Republican Michael Whatley as voters focus on the economy and health care; one poll found many North Carolinians say life has worsened since 2024. Taxes and Energy: Voters will also decide three constitutional amendments, including a lower cap on state income-tax rates and limits on local property-tax growth. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has filed preliminary plans for a natural-gas complex in Davie and Davidson counties, citing rising electricity demand.

Midterm Vote: Early voting opened Thursday across North Carolina. A new poll puts Roy Cooper nearly eight points ahead of Michael Whatley in the Senate race, while Whatley’s campaign has no TV ads reserved. Health Costs: State Treasurer Brad Briner’s plan to move most Atrium facilities into the State Health Plan’s costliest tier in 2027 could add $50 a month to premiums for some members. At the Pump: North Carolina suspended its 41-cent gas tax through Nov. 30, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson warned gas stations they must pass the savings on to drivers. Jobs and Investment: Mooresville defense firm Corvid Technologies plans a $95 million expansion expected to add 423 jobs; a Catawba County manufacturer also announced 105 new positions. Cost of Living: U.S. inflation rose to 3.7% in September, with energy prices driving much of the increase.

Senate Race: A new poll puts Democrat Roy Cooper nearly eight points ahead of Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s closely watched Senate contest. Whatley’s campaign has no future TV ads booked, while Cooper’s has reserved $7.4 million, according to AdImpact. Jobs and Growth: Governor Josh Stein announced 105 new jobs and a $24.8 million investment as Conover utility company Utili-Serve expands its headquarters and manufacturing operations. North Carolina’s job growth and unemployment figures also remain stronger than the national averages. Gas Tax Relief: The state’s 41-cent-a-gallon gas tax suspension is in effect through Nov. 30; Attorney General Jeff Jackson warned stations to pass the savings on to drivers. Energy Concerns: In Stokes County, residents opposing a proposed data center say they worry about its power use, water demand, noise and pollution after commissioners approved a zoning change. Port Investment: Wilmington’s port is set to receive about $6 million in federal funding for truck parking, cargo staging and technology upgrades.

Election 2026: Early voting begins Thursday, with a new poll giving Roy Cooper a seven-point lead over Michael Whatley in the Senate race. About 1,400 voters flagged as possible noncitizens will receive letters, but none will be removed or barred from voting based on the list alone. President Trump plans to rally in Greenville next Tuesday, where Whatley is expected to appear. At the Pump: North Carolina’s 41-cent gas tax suspension runs through Nov. 30; the statewide average fell from $4.09 to $3.81 in four days. Attorney General Jeff Jackson says stations must pass along the savings as they receive untaxed fuel. Jobs and Business: A North Carolina defense company plans a $95 million Mooresville expansion expected to add 423 jobs, while Kroger’s planned corporate cuts will affect its Charlotte hub. Western Recovery: Two years after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina’s retail sales have rebounded, but employment and tourism remain below pre-storm levels. Industry at Risk: Proposed federal hemp restrictions could disrupt North Carolina’s $3.2 billion industry.

Economic Growth: Corvid Technologies will invest $95 million to expand its Mooresville campus, adding 423 jobs and a 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. 2026 Elections: Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by seven points in a new Senate poll, while early voting begins Thursday. Voters will also decide whether to amend the state constitution to limit local property-tax increases; Sampson County Commissioner Eric Pope urges residents to study what the measure would mean before voting. Energy Reliability: A federal emergency order gives PJM authority to dispatch generation and backup power through Oct. 16, as the grid operator warns of tight reserves in areas including North Carolina’s Dominion zone. Washington: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis joined five colleagues from both parties in urging President Trump to reverse the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel imports, arguing the move violates a 2022 law.

Election 2026: Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley 50% to 43% in a new ECU poll, with just 6% undecided. Early voting starts Thursday, and the economy and cost of living remain voters’ top concerns. Legal Aid: North Carolina legal aid groups are suing over lawmakers’ decision to redirect millions in funding, arguing the move threatens access to legal help. Fuel Costs: The state’s gas tax suspension runs through Nov. 30, but drivers may see savings of 6 to 11 cents less than the full 41-cent cut as fuel prices adjust. Western NC: Heavy rain from Isaias brought more than 8 inches to parts of the mountains, with road closures and power outages reported. Business: North Carolina’s multibillion-dollar hemp industry is bracing for a scheduled federal ban on many THC products.

Health Care: Gov. Josh Stein warns that federal Medicaid cuts could put coverage at risk for nearly 740,000 North Carolina adults who gained insurance through expansion, while hospitals brace for more uninsured patients and higher costs. New rules begin Jan. 1, including six-month renewals and work requirements for some recipients. Courts: Three Democratic seats are up in North Carolina’s Court of Appeals race. If Republicans win all three, Democrats could lose their voice on the 15-member court; the state Supreme Court also faces a possible shift to a 6-1 Republican majority. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Jeff Jackson won a default judgment against Holly Christina Photography, ordering the company to return customers’ wedding photos and videos and pay nearly $600,000 in restitution and more than $1.1 million in penalties. At the Pump: The state’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax suspension is already showing up in prices and runs through Nov. 30. Legal Aid: North Carolina legal aid groups are suing over lawmakers’ redirection of millions in funding.

Severe Weather: Powerful winds damaged businesses, downed trees and power lines, and overturned vehicles in Fayetteville, while Isaias’s remnants brought flooding, water rescues and outages to western North Carolina. North Carolina Elections: Republican Dan Kiger and Democrat Ken Badgett are vying for the 90th House District; early voting starts Thursday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The statewide Senate contest between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley is also drawing attention. Business and Energy: Gaon Cable plans to add nuclear-grade cable production at its Tarboro plant, aiming to supply U.S. reactor and small modular reactor projects as electricity demand grows. Washington Watch: Sen. Thom Tillis says President Trump’s Russian diesel deal may violate federal law, joining bipartisan calls to reverse the move.

Tillis Challenges Trump Deal: North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis says the administration’s plan to ease sanctions on Russian diesel may be illegal and put American lives at risk. Western NC Flooding: Torrential rain prompted life-threatening flash-flood warnings Sunday morning, with officials warning of dangerous rises in streams and possible damage. Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Josh Stein signed a temporary state gas-tax suspension through Nov. 30, aiming to ease high fuel costs for drivers. Data Centers: Perquimans County approved a six-month pause on new data-center applications as it considers rules for the facilities; Duke Energy also reached an agreement to protect customers from data-center costs. Childcare Costs: A statewide poll found 78% of North Carolina voters consider access to affordable, quality childcare a crisis or major problem, and many see it as key to the state’s workforce and economy.

Storm Watch: Isaias weakened after striking Florida, but its remnants were forecast to bring heavy rain and a rising tornado threat to North Carolina. Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Josh Stein signed a law suspending the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax through Nov. 30; savings may take time to reach drivers as stations sell fuel taxed before the pause. Midterm Races: North Carolina’s Senate contest between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley is among the races drawing national attention, while voters also choose all 170 state legislators. Jobs and Investment: Developers are eyeing Sanford for factories that could bring up to 670 jobs, with tax breaks under consideration. Duke Energy also reached an agreement on special rates for large power users, including data centers. Recovery Court: Pasquotank County has launched a program offering some people convicted of nonviolent offenses treatment and close supervision as an alternative to prison.

Fuel Costs: North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax suspension began Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 30, though drivers may not see savings right away. Election 2026: Democratic strategist David Plouffe cautioned supporters not to take Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign for granted, despite his polling lead. In eastern North Carolina, Republican Rep. Greg Murphy faces Democrat Raymond Smith in the 3rd District, where affordability and health care are key issues. Durham: County leaders are mourning firefighter Andrew Brokes, 24, who died responding to a blaze, and honoring community efforts to build ties with first responders. Jobs and Growth: Factory proposals in Sanford could bring up to 670 jobs, with tax breaks under consideration. ECU also hosted more than 200 life sciences leaders and researchers to discuss the industry’s growth and workforce needs in eastern North Carolina. Raleigh Business: Sam Jones BBQ plans to open a third local outlet at Morgan Street Food Hall by year’s end, bringing its eastern North Carolina whole-hog barbecue to the Warehouse District.

Relief at the Pump: North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax suspension took effect Friday and runs through Nov. 30, but drivers may wait to see savings—and prices may not fall by the full amount. Storm Readiness: State emergency officials are activating rescue teams and preparing for possible flooding from Tropical Storm Isaias, with western and southeastern North Carolina among areas of concern. Election Watch: Early voting begins Thursday as campaigns intensify across the state; a federal judge has also allowed Republican groups to join a lawsuit over North Carolina mail ballots. Statehouse Showdown: Gov. Josh Stein and legislative leaders filed new arguments in a dispute over the governor’s appointment powers, ahead of November hearings at the state Supreme Court. Jobs and Innovation: Manufacturers are considering Sanford for projects that could bring about 670 jobs, while SAS and NC State plan a two-year AI think tank focused on health care, agriculture and responsible technology.

Voting: Early voting has begun in North Carolina ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Pitt County voters can register at early-voting sites and cast ballots in federal, state and local races, plus three constitutional amendments. Cost of Living: State lawmakers approved suspending the 41-cent gas tax, and Gov. Josh Stein is expected to act Friday; drivers could see relief within days. Data Centers: Duke Energy reached an agreement with data center companies and customer advocates to help protect North Carolina households from the cost of serving large power users. Small Business: North Carolina opened $2 million in grants for technology-focused small businesses developing new products and services. Health: State officials reported the season’s first flu death and urged residents to get vaccinated and seek early treatment. Weather: Category 3 Hurricane Isaias could bring heavy rain and flooding to North Carolina over the weekend.

Pump Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a suspension of the 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30, and Gov. Josh Stein is expected to sign it. Savings may take time to reach drivers, and high fuel prices could offset some of the cut. Electricity Bills: Duke Energy and data center companies agreed to new rules requiring large power users to pay more, aiming to shield other customers from added costs. Senate Race: Roy Cooper is campaigning on affordability and health care as he challenges Republican Michael Whatley; a polling average gives Cooper a nine-point lead. Durham: Stein ordered flags lowered Friday to honor firefighter Andrew Brokes, who died while searching a burning building for victims. Public Health: North Carolina reported its first flu death of the season and urged residents to get vaccinated and seek early treatment.

Energy Costs: Duke Energy and major data-center companies agreed to rules requiring large users to cover their grid connection costs, aiming to protect existing North Carolina customers from higher bills. Gas Tax: State lawmakers approved a temporary suspension of the 41-cent-a-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30; the measure was headed to Gov. Josh Stein. Election 2026: North Carolina officials are testing voting equipment and preparing for early voting, which begins Oct. 15, as they work to address voter concerns. A separate ballot measure would require lawmakers to set limits on local property-tax increases, but does not specify what those limits would be. Rural Access: A $17 million federal-backed fiber project is expected to connect about 2,100 households, businesses, farms and schools in Halifax and Warren counties, including the Haliwa-Saponi community. Western NC Recovery: Regional partners are developing a communications plan to keep communities connected during emergencies, drawing on lessons from Hurricane Helene.

Fuel Relief: North Carolina lawmakers approved a pause in the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through Nov. 30, using reserves to replace transportation funds. The bill is headed to Gov. Josh Stein; drivers may not see the full savings at the pump. Energy and Data Centers: Duke Energy and large power users agreed on new contract rules requiring upfront payments and making it costly to exit, aiming to shield households from data-center power costs. Environmental groups say the deal lacks clean-energy requirements and leaves key questions unresolved. 2026 Elections: Early voting opens Oct. 15, the same night Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin plan a Senate debate. Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley were invited but did not respond. Whatley’s campaign has paused TV ads as national Republicans redirect spending from North Carolina to other races. Flood Protection: Stein joined Lumberton officials to dedicate a new floodgate, part of a $15 million project intended to protect residents and businesses from future flooding, a decade after Hurricane Matthew devastated the area.