Sweet 16: The Ultimate N.C. Politics Showdown
Some favorites fell, some underdogs advanced. Now the real battles begin
We've narrowed the field, and now we’re down to the Sweet 16. All of our one-seeds are still in the game, but there have been some true Cinderella stories, as well. And three matchups ended in a tie, with a coin flip needed to decide the winner. That’s March madness for you.
Jim Hunt and Marc Basnight were always on a collision course, but I did not see seersucker suits and COVID lockdowns making it this far.
Let’s break down the new matchups, then you can cast your votes. We’re moving a little faster in these later rounds, with voting open for one day only.
Power Players Region
(1) Jim Hunt vs. (4) Marc Basnight
Two titans of Democratic power go head-to-head. Hunt shaped the party from the governor’s mansion, while Basnight controlled it from the legislature. One built the system, the other mastered it — who was more dominant?
(2) Jesse Helms vs. (11) The John Locke Foundation
Helms wrote the modern conservative playbook, using attack ads, a national fundraising machine, and populist messaging to dominate N.C. politics for decades. Today, the John Locke Foundation carries the conservative movement forward, crafting the policies and messaging that drive Republican governance in Raleigh. Who represents N.C. politics better?
Moments Region
(1) The 2010 Republican Revolution vs. (5) House Bill 2
The 2010 GOP takeover reshaped North Carolina politics for more than a decade, but HB2 made the state a national political lightning rod. What was the more defining moment — gaining power or the controversy that tested it?
(2) The IHOP Bathroom Bribe vs. (14) COVID Lockdowns
A ridiculous but very real political scandal vs. a once-in-a-lifetime government power test. One played out in the backrooms of a pancake house, the other shut down businesses and changed daily life across the state. Which left a bigger impact?
Traditions Region
(1) East vs. West BBQ Debate vs. (5) Surprise Veto Overrides
The ultimate N.C. culture war faces off against a pure political power move. BBQ loyalty runs deep, but so does the instinct to rewrite the rules when the votes are just right. Which tradition is more sacred?
(10) College Basketball Rivalries vs. (14) Seersucker Suits
March Madness meets Southern political fashion. One forces politicians to pick sides between UNC, Duke, and State. The other is a wardrobe staple for the old-school N.C. politician. Which one is more iconic?
Rhetoric Region
(1) Esse Quam Videri vs. (4) Where Do You Stand, Jim?
North Carolina’s state motto vs. one of the most influential political attacks in state history. Do we define ourselves by our aspirational identity — or by the hard-hitting politics that shape our elections?
(3) The Elevator Queen vs. (7) The Great State of Mecklenburg
Cherie Berry’s elevator photo made her a political icon in the most unexpected way. Meanwhile, Charlotte has long been accused of acting like its own state. A legendary political meme vs. a nickname rooted in regional rivalry — which one sticks around longer?
Time to vote!
We’re down to the Sweet 16 — which moments, figures, traditions, and slogans define N.C. politics the most? Cast your votes and help decide who moves on.