Archive - Longleaf Politics

Where the Cooper-Whatley race really stands

A ton of polls hit last week. On the surface, they look all over the place. Underneath, they’re telling a pretty consistent story.

Apr 6 • Andrew Dunn

Leandro had to end. A ‘sound basic education’ still matters

Courts cannot build excellent schools. North Carolina still has to try

Apr 2 • Andrew Dunn

Should the state invest in N.C. startups?

A Durham investment leader floated two startup support ideas for North Carolina. I’m skeptical of both, but let's discuss

Apr 2 • Andrew Dunn

March 2026

Why you should support levy limits

North Carolina has a chance to put guardrails on property taxes without breaking the system that funds local government.

Mar 30 • Andrew Dunn

Two things that stood out from Speaker Hall’s new interview

He offered the clearest public explanation yet of the House position on the budget and Medicaid.

Mar 29 • Andrew Dunn

Have N.C. Republicans abandoned local control?

It's not that simple. There is a real conservative framework at play, but the hard part is applying it carefully

Mar 26 • Andrew Dunn

A bitter campaign ends with class

There will be time to sort through the consequences. For now, I’m grateful this race reached a peaceable end.

Mar 25 • Andrew Dunn

What N.C. candidates can learn from Rom Reddy’s campaign launch

South Carolina’s newest gubernatorial candidate is doing something most state-level Republicans never even try: building real hype.

Mar 24 • Andrew Dunn

The sweet spot in a N.C. politician’s March Madness bracket

The point isn’t to win the pool. It’s to show a little North Carolina pride.

Mar 23 • Andrew Dunn

Mark Robinson is completely delusional

In an agonizingly long interview that was supposed to clear the air, Robinson mostly confirmed what we already knew.

Mar 21 • Andrew Dunn

Is it better to have a vote or a microphone?

Sen. Graig Meyer’s exit raises a bigger question about whether it's a better job to be a state senator or a state party chair.

Mar 16 • Andrew Dunn

Roy Cooper is no victim of campaign dishonesty

The ex-governor has spent too long benefiting from this style of politics to complain much about it now.

Mar 12 • Andrew Dunn

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