Archive - Longleaf Politics

5 N.C. political books I love (and what’s next on my list)

These books offer the kind of insight you can’t find in headlines or history books

Jul 14 •

Thom Tillis finally made his case — just not to North Carolina

The senator showed real fight in a CNN interview this week. Imagine if he’d brought that same energy back home.

Jul 10 •

There’s no way Josh Stein’s approval ratings stay this high

It’s quite a honeymoon: Stein is virtually break-even with Republicans

Jul 8 •

Let’s celebrate freedom again in North Carolina

A short message on what freedom really means — and why it still matters in our state

Jul 4 •

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I made a shrimp ban attack ad in under two hours — here’s why that matters

AI-generated videos are getting cheaper, faster, and more convincing — and they’re about to change how local campaigns fight and win.

Jul 2 •

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June 2025

It's campaign announcement season

With Tillis out and new names jumping in, the 2026 campaign season is officially underway.

Jun 30 •

The cost of a permanent campaign

Jeff Jackson’s new digital push isn’t groundbreaking — but it shows exactly what the off-cycle permanent campaign looks like, down to the dollar.

Jun 27 •

Shrimpers show 'how politics is supposed to work'

A modest protest over shrimp trawling just sank a Senate bill — and offered a reminder that in North Carolina politics, 100 well-timed voices still…

Jun 26 •

Stewardship isn’t what it used to be in N.C.

A WRAL story about a historic office reveals something deeper about the kind of politics we reward today

Jun 23 •

In a bizarro version of North Carolina politics

Both sides think they’re the underdog — and the hero — using the exact same language

Jun 17 •

Train travel isn’t just for liberals

In a growing state, we need long-term thinking — and rail deserves a place in the conversation.

Jun 16 •

The paradox of Josh Stein

Bipartisan in tone, progressive at heart — here's a look at the balancing act of North Carolina's governor

Jun 9 •

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