Stay up to date with WRAL’s Campaign finance news and reporting coverage
Judges and judicial candidates in North Carolina can take money from lobbyists. But state lawmakers and legislative candidates can't. So what happens when lobbyists give money to a lawmaker who's running to be a judge?
Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter
North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, a Rockingham Republican, raised more than $1.7 million during the first six months of 2025, a campaign document shows.
The $17,500 fine stems from the 2022 midterm elections, when Cawthorn and his political action committee, Making a Difference in Service to Our Nation PAC, missed a filing deadline for a quarterly financial report.
WRAL staff reports
The campaign of outgoing Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has paid a $35,000 fine to settle campaign finance allegations stemming from his successful 2020 run for the office.
Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief
A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.
Targeted News Service
The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team.
A complaint filed with federal and state regulators alleges that Greater Carolina, a politically connected nonprofit organization, skirted laws governing fundraising and lobbying to benefit Republican state Rep. Jason Saine, who recently announced plans to resign.
The veto overrides come as state lawmakers are also voting on new constitutional amendments to put on the ballot this fall, plus other last-minute legislative priorities as the 2024 session winds down.
Republican state lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted to override three of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes Wednesday, sending them to the Senate for a final vote.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 -- Voters' ballots must have meaning and there needs to be reasonable campaign finance disclosure regulations so citizens know fully and accurately who seeks to influence elections.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 -- More and more outside operations have come to dominate campaigning in North Carolina elections. Many are dark money 501c-4s, that don't disclose sources of their funding, have no limits on the contributions they receive nor the amount of money they spend.
Monday, June 24, 2024 -- A detailed examination of campaign finances in recent North Carolina campaigns reveals money from outside sources eclipsed the dollars raised via candidate-related operations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 -- Information and data concerning the growing influence of outside money in North Carolina campaigns and elections.
Republicans say the campaign finance changes will create a more even playing field in the race for governor. Democratic nominee Josh Stein has raised millions more than Republican nominee Mark Robinson.
A bill on Gov. Roy Cooper's desk limits mask use during protests and would loosen state campaign finance laws.
A bill expected to quickly pass the North Carolina state legislature will create a loophole around laws blocking Super PACs from getting more directly involved in elections.
Laura Leslie and Will Doran, WRAL
Monday, June 10, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.
Friday, May 31, 2024 -- Over six weeks and the testimony of 20 witnesses, prosecutors wove a sprawling story of election interference and falsified business records.
Prosecutors have long gone after politicians over campaign finance violations, and on both sides of the aisle -- particularly in North Carolina.
The Democrat's fundraising haul heading into the 2024 election is nearly triple what outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper reported at the same stage of his first run for governor.
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 -- Campaign finance matters are more than concerns for political insiders. They are about the integrity of the candidates and their campaigns. All candidates should endeavor to establish unquestioned credentials.
There's a rule against NC political campaigns paying rent on residential property owned by a candidate, but not against paying towards commercial properties. A left-leaning watchdog group wants to change that.
Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter
A behind-the-scenes battle is emerging as lawmakers quietly consider legalizing commercial casinos in North Carolina. As gaming companies hire big-name lobbyists and secure land, dark money and local groups are opposing the effort.
Brian Murphy, WRAL
Attorney General Josh Stein's campaign has raised $8.2 million after raising $6 million in the last six months. On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's campaign has raised $3.2 million.
Attorney General Josh Stein's campaign lost $50,000 to a scammer, according to campaign finance filings.
