Bryan Anderson
@bryanranderson.bsky.social
NC Politics Reporter for The Assembly, #AndersonAlerts creator, aka "Buzzkill Bryan." Tips? Inquiries? Email: bryan@theassemblync.com
On paper, NC Treasurer Brad Briner is the most overqualified and least relatable statewide officeholder. But his personal, professional and political journey is far more complicated. A profile that has been months in the works is now out—> #ncpol
The Big Brain on Brad
Young Brad Briner was motivated to understand money when his father was out of work. He has made some unexpected moves as state treasurer.
theassemblync.com
The U.S. Senate candidate posted AI-generated images of the Carolina Hurricanes, then struggled to name a favorite player. #ncpol Story here for @theassemblync.bsky.social from the campaign trail—> www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Can Michael Whatley Name a Hurricanes Player?
The U.S. Senate candidate posted AI-generated images of the Stanley Cup Finals team, then struggled to name his favorite player.
theassemblync.com
JUST IN: A newly proposed rule seeks to formalize the process for how the state responds to alleged campaign finance violations. The draft says complaints would now be “confidential," sparking concerns from transparency advocates. #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Elections Board Rule Could Limit Public Access to Campaign Finance Complaints
A proposed rule seeks to formalize how North Carolina responds to alleged campaign finance violations. The draft says complaints would now be “confidential.”
theassemblync.com
What's on tap for the North Carolina legislative session? This week's pod features @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social and @bryanranderson.bsky.social @newsobserver.com @theassemblync.bsky.social #ncpol #politics #northcarolina www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qpG...
Why N.C.'s most powerful politician lost his primary | Tying It Together
YouTube video by Tying It Together with Tim Boyum
youtube.com
Former NC Congressman Madison Cawthorn, who is now running for an open Florida congressional seat, says on podcast that 90% of American churchgoers aren't going to heaven. "Only about 10% of people in churches are going to heaven. I genuinely think that." #ncpol
I watched a 79-minute Madison Cawthorn interview so you wouldn’t have to. Here’s what you need to know—> #ncpol
Keeping up with Cawthorn
Former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn mounts a political comeback, while North Carolina gets a long-awaited Leandro decision and a new state senator.
andersonalerts.substack.com
Acute #ncpol readers may have noticed a shift in how I'm discussing the Page-Berger race. I've labeled Page as the "apparent winner." Why? Machine recount changed nothing, Berger still trails Page by 23, and NCSBE doesn't look receptive to Berger's push for a full hand recount.
Former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's conversation (NOT INTERVIEW) on Thursday represented less of a personal change or growth story and more of a familiar history of defending himself at all costs. #ncpol Read more--> www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Robinson Reemerges, Admits To Porn Habit and Lying About Allegations
After calling claims he frequented porn shops 'complete and total fiction,' the former gubernatorial candidate now says he
theassemblync.com
NEWS: Robinson's former campaign manager, Matt Hurley, is behind the Robinson "interview" that's posting tomorrow. He founded Real Truth Media earlier this year, according to Florida Secretary of State filings. That's the site running the Robinson convo. #ncpol
Topline: Berger's in deep math trouble. If you grant all his election protests and assume everyone voted for Page, Berger nets 13 votes. 2024 SupCo recount netted Riggs six votes in Rockingham+Guilford. So recount + protests very unlikely to net Berger 23. www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Phil Berger Requests Recount in Tight Republican Primary
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page was up 23 votes in the state Senate race after counties finished canvassing.
theassemblync.com
Senate leader Phil Berger has filed three election protests, per campaign. They should be posting shortly to NCSBE site here--> dl.ncsbe.gov?prefix=Legal...
dl.ncsbe.gov
The NCSBE will meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow to discuss the Berger recount request and whether to exercise discretion to do a partial hand recount to review the 220 ballots Berger is requesting. Adoption of permanent rules for noncitizen list maintenance is also on the agenda. #ncpol
How might a machine recount pan out? For perspective, in the 2024 NC SupCo general election race (much higher turnout), Guilford County saw a 5-vote swing in favor of Riggs over Griffin. Rockingham Co. saw a 1-vote swing in favor of Riggs. Berger presently trails by 23. #ncpol
In his recount request, Berger raised concerns over 220 ballots, including 3 "overvotes" and 217 "undervotes." The deadline for an election protest is 5pm today. When asked for clarity on what wrongdoing Berger was alleging, campaign deferred back to letter and the NCSBE. #ncpol
In NC’s most consequential primary, GOP challenger Sam Page likely has more votes than Senate leader Phil Berger at this time. Berger will need a strong turnout on Election Day, especially in Guilford County, to make up the difference. #ncpol andersonalerts.substack.com/p/phil-berge...
Phil Berger has some ground to make up. Can he hold onto his seat?
Senate leader Phil Berger is making an all-out blitz for his reelection bid.
andersonalerts.substack.com
Republicans are looking to win the 1st Congressional District seat for the first time since 1883. Three top contenders have emerged in a primary that’s gotten personal. Hanig, Buck and Buckhout discuss private conversations they had in December. #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Inside the Intensely Personal Battle to Be the GOP Nominee in Eastern NC
Before a Republican can attempt to oust U.S. Rep. Don Davis in the 1st District, they must navigate an intense primary battle.
theassemblync.com
Let's be clear: Whatever fringe legal argument or extrapolation one tries to make, the math is clear: Michele Morrow lost the 2024 general election. #ncpol
PRIMARY POWER RANKINGS: My list and explanations for the top 26 primaries to watch in North Carolina this year—> #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
Top Primaries to Watch in 2026
Your guide to the top races in North Carolina in the 2026 primaries, from Sam Page facing Phil Berger to the battle to be Don Davis' general election opponent.
theassemblync.com
More than 70,000 North Carolinians remain on the state’s Registration Repair list. How that could impact their ability to vote in the 2026 midterms—> #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
70,000 Voters Must Fix Their Registrations or Face Hurdle at the Polls
Thousands of North Carolinians will have to cast a provisional ballot in the 2026 midterms if they don’t update their voter registration information.
theassemblync.com
Went on @wfae.bsky.social this morning to highlight the NCDP's decision to withhold party resources from four Democratic legislative candidates. What remains to be seen: the impact it'll have in the primaries. #ncpol www.wfae.org/politics/202...
NC Democratic Party blocking some candidates from using election tools
North Carolina’s Democratic Party is punishing some state legislative candidates by blocking access to a key election resource. The reason: the candidates sided with Republicans in voting to override ...
wfae.org
JUST IN: The North Carolina Democratic Party won't share its voter-turnout tools with four state legislative candidates who have a history of overriding gubernatorial vetoes. #ncpol READ MORE--> www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
A Purity Test for Democrats
The North Carolina Democratic Party won’t share voter-turnout tools with certain candidates who previously voted to override the governor’s vetoes.
theassemblync.com
Will Trump pardon Greg Lindberg? The White House is keeping its cards close to chest. But one notable development has occurred: Lindberg has lobbyist Ches McDowell working on his behalf. McDowell is the brother of Congressman Addison McDowell and a hunting buddy of Don Jr. #ncpol
Republicans have overtaken Dems in registered voters. What does it mean? I caught up with the leaders of both state parties for their reaction and messaging heading into the 2026 midterms —> #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/news/politic...
N.C. Republicans Overtake Democrats in Voter Registration
Midterm elections historically don’t bode well for the party in the White House. State GOP Chairman Jason Simmons says his party hopes to build momentum.
theassemblync.com
For the first time in eight years, the Carolina Panthers have made it to the playoffs. They'll host either the 49ers or Rams next week.
JUST IN: For the first time in state history, Republicans have overtaken Democrats in North Carolina voter registration. As of this morning, there are more registered Republicans than Democrats. #ncpol
NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has just sent President Trump a letter amid push before holidays for Greg Lindberg to receive pardon. "A well-financed and aggressive public relations campaign advocating for clemency should not be mistaken for evidence of injustice." #ncpol
Digging through candidate filings, 29% of Republican state lawmakers running for reelection will have a contested March 3 primary (27/92). For Democratic incumbents, just 15% have a contested primary (10/68). #ncpol
