Faith and freedom at center stage in Marion
A few observations from this weekend's Salt & Light conference
I spent some time at the N.C. Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Salt & Light conference this weekend, and it was immediately clear: This is a must-see event in North Carolina politics.
Executive Director Jason Williams, Jim Quick and their team pulled off something special yet again. I wasn’t a speaker on the main stage, but I had the honor of leading a few breakout sessions — which meant I got to pop in the green room. It was a veritable who’s who of conservative politics.
It’s still amazing how many influential people make a point to come to Marion, North Carolina. If you were one of the 2,000+ attendees there, you got a real treat.
You can watch videos from the event on the N.C. Faith & Freedom Facebook page.
My main job at Salt & Light was to present a legislative briefing on the political landscape heading into 2026. I’ve posted a recap of that for premium subscribers, which you can read here:
But here are a few other quick notes from the weekend before you click over:
• Gratitude where it’s due. It was impossible not to think about the worst-case scenario at an event like this. Security was tight, professional, and visible. Thank you to the Marion Police Department and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Things went smoothly because those folks did their jobs well.
• A book for the stack. I picked up Wayne County Superior Court Judge Billy Strickland’s memoir “Cowboy to Courtroom.” It tells the story of how he went from a tough, often homeless teen riding bulls and working odd jobs to building a law firm, a real-estate portfolio, and eventually serving on the bench. I’m a sucker for stories about vocation and duty, and I’m looking forward to digging in. Expect notes once I finish.
• A high-powered panel. I had the chance to moderate a conversation with Rep. Erin Paré, Rep. Paul Scott, Sen. Dave Craven, and Sen. Ralph Hise. What struck me was how seriously they’re taking the work, focused on getting policy right.
We talked through follow-ups to Iryna’s Law, which most likely will involve long-term treatment capacity for people with severe mental illness who are a danger to themselves or others. It’s a tough problem, but you can feel the will to find solutions.
We also managed to avoid too many fireworks on the budget impasse and kept it constructive. The differences are real, but what’s interesting is that it boils down to philosophy, not petty politics.
One of the legislators, I believe it was Sen. Craven, pointed out that we’re very lucky as a state to be in such a strong position that we can argue over how rapidly to bring down income taxes. Not that long ago, North Carolina was furloughing teachers. Today, we’ve had years of surpluses and a rainy-day fund that’s allowed us to invest $2 billion-plus in Hurricane Helene recovery.
Quick hits
My column in the newspaper this week takes on data centers. Across the state, developers are pitching big new facilities to ride the AI boom. Neighbors aren’t so sure about it all.
I caught up with Scott Millar, the architect of Catawba County’s “Data Center Corridor” to get his take on what North Carolina should do. I think it’s pretty simple: Welcome the industry, but put it in the right places. Read the full column here (free with gift link): Data centers are coming. NC should welcome them on our terms
At a premium
Important reads
The 22 Very Online Upstarts Changing the Face of Politics (Wired)
Illiteracy is a policy choice (The Argument Mag)
Could 2028 be the ‘YouTube election’? (Politico)
Top spenders on social media last week
Question of the week
Last week, I asked you if you supported the plans for a new children’s hospital in Apex. An even 50% of you said yes, with 30% as a no and 20% unsure.