A food sale that fundraises for the Temple of Israel is underway. The 5th annual Big Nosh is accepting order until Wednesday, Nov. 25. (Courtesy Temple of Israel)
WILMINGTON — A food sale that fundraises for the Temple of Israel is underway. The 5th annual Big Nosh is accepting orders until Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Some items off this year’s menu include corned beef and pastrami, sour pickles, babka, rugelach, seeded rye bread, herring, and whitefish salad. Prices for individual items range from $5 to $16 and a bundle is available.
The food will be available for pickup on Sunday, Dec. 13, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Reibman Center located at 922 Market Street.
Anyone who spends $150 on food items will also have a chance to win two tickets to the Wilmington Symphony or the Temple of Israel Music Series. The drawing for this will take place on Dec. 14.
Orders are accepted online or by mail being sent to the Temple of Israel. Proceeds benefit the temple, which is the oldest Jewish place of worship in North Carolina, having been in operation since the mid-19th century.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Tim Merrick, Deb Butler (in green) and Jessica Bichler (in grey) posing for photos after initial results confirmed their election to the North Carolina General Assembly on Nov. 3, 2026. (Port City Daily/Brenna Flanagan)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — New Hanover County voters elected two new Democrats to the North Carolina General Assembly and reelected another as part of the “blue wave” that swept the country in Tuesday’s election. All votes still have to be finalized statewide, with the canvass scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
In the Senate District 7, Jessica Bichler currently has 52.64% of the vote compared to incumbent Republican Michael Lee’s 47.36% based on preliminary results.
Over in the House of Representatives, Democrat incumbent Deb Butler fended off a challenge from Republican Latisha Grady for the District 18 seat, securing 70.42% of votes. In District 20, Democratic school board member Tim Merrick has a narrow lead over Republican Dane Scalise to take over retiring Republican Ted Davis’ seat.
Scalise only trails Merrick by 101 votes. The New Hanover County Board of Elections still has more than 1,000 provisional ballots to review, which could sway the unofficial results if valid and applicable to District 20.
The race is also eligible for a recount, though the New Hanover County Board of Elections confirmed Scalise had not filed as of Nov. 4. Scalise, who chose not to speak with Port City Daily about the election results, has until Nov. 16 to ask for a recount.
The shakeups in New Hanover County contributed to flipping the House to Democratic control; this doesn’t include the southern portion of the county encompassing Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, covered by Republican Rep. Charlie Miller.
Democrats also managed to take four seats in the Senate, with another Senate contest too close to call, ending the Republicans’ supermajority in the chamber.
Now, attention shifts to who the new leaders will be in each chamber. Democrats will need to choose a new House speaker, while Senate Republicans will soon be without a president pro tempore; Phil Berger lost his primary earlier this year, with majority leader Sen. Lee currently holding the position. Lee was rumored to be in consideration for Senate president pro tempore. He did not respond to Port City Daily for an interview request post-election.
Butler told Port City Daily Thursday she expects House Minority Leader Robert Rieves, a Chatham County representative who has been in office since 2021, to be elected House speaker; however, she hopes, as a senior member of the caucus, she will be awarded a leadership position using her finance expertise.
“I have told our leader that I think he should hand out the chairmanships based on meritocracy, and I think in the end I’ve done the work and done the learning, and I hope I’ll be in a position for leadership in at least one or two very significant committees,” Butler said.
Butler said she is optimistic about working with new leadership in the Senate.
According to the Carolina Journal, Sen. Brent Jackson — who represents several counties including Pender and did not face a challenger this year — has asked Republicans to appoint him president pro tempore; he did not respond to Port City Daily’s interview request.
The journal also indicated Deputy President Pro Tempore Ralph Hise from Mitchell County and Sen. Todd Johnson from Union County have expressed interest in the position. The News and Observer has reported Sen. Jim Burgin, who narrowly won a fifth term to his seat representing Harnett, Lee and Sampson counties, has requested consideration.
“I hope that there will be more opportunity to work together and more reasonable heads prevail for the better of North Carolina rather than this culture war clash we seem to have fallen prey to,” Butler said.
In Senate District 7, Bichler said she thinks the Republicans’ loss of a supermajority would bode well for increased bipartisan cooperation. She told Port City Daily she’s spoken with many people who were not planning to vote for her and were able to reach common ground. When Port City Daily asked on what issues, Bichler cited an example of ensuring citizens had basic needs cared for.
“If someone is hungry let’s find a way that they can eat,” she said.
Most of New Hanover County — Brunswick County Sen. Bill Rabon controls the “Wilmington notch” carving out some of downtown — is now set to be represented by a new voice without and has no prior political experience. She owns a yoga studio who said she wanted to run for Lee’s seat because she believed the current administration was not doing enough to help working families.
Bichler told Port City Daily her advantage is the lack of “political baggage” she carries into office and a platform capitalizing on important issues that Lee has taken flak for, such as holding PFAS polluters accountable.
Activists went after this issue during the election season, as seen with Clean Politics, Clean Water’s controversial ads commenting on Lee’s water quality record, including signs saying “Mike Lee’s special interest special. Polluters get away with it! Now you pay to drink your water!” There are also cardboard cutouts of Lee in an “I ♥ Special Interest” t-shirt holding a pile of money in one hand and a water bottle labeled “tapped out spring” in the other. The cutout portrays Lee as having wet himself.
Though Bichler, too, was also the target of attack ads from Lee’s campaign, including an AI rendering of her doing yoga and the publishing of an excerpt from her 2011 academic thesis, which Lee’s campaign called “anti-American.”
“There were some dirty politics that really offended a lot of people in our community and I think that won over people to want to support and back me,” Bichler said.
However, it also helped give her name recognition. The AI ads were reported on by national outlets like NPR and The New Yorker.
Though Lee did not respond to Port City Daily’s repeated interview requests, on Wednesday he posted a statement online wishing Bichler well:
“My term continues through the end of the year, and I will keep working for the people of this district until the last day. Wilmington has been my home for a long time, and it will remain so. I look forward to continuing to serve this community in new ways,” he wrote.
Bichler said Lee reached out to her after the results came in Tuesday, congratulating her and offering to answer any questions she had as she moved into her new role. Bichler said Lee’s offer may come in handy when contemplating the new constitutional amendments that passed on Tuesday’s ballot.
Per the passage, the state constitution mandates personal and corporate income taxes at 3.5%, as compared to the current 7% cap.
Another amendment allowed the General Assembly to limit local governments’ ability to raise property taxes, though how exactly this will work and what percentage increase will be allowed has yet to be worked out.
Bichler, Butler and Merrick told Port City Daily they did not favor hamstringing local elected leaders’ ability to make budgetary decisions. Port City Daily asked Butler if the passage of the constitutional amendment required the General Assembly to pass legislation outlining how the property tax increase cap should function; Butler said she wasn’t sure if the amendment could lay “fallow” and the General Assembly would need to discuss how to move it forward.
If granted a prominent financial position — such as chairperson of the House’s finance or appropriations committees — Butler said she wants to craft a budget that is “fair, transparent, and delivered on time,” alluding to Republicans control of the budget in the last few cycles and their failure to pass one for a year and a half past deadline.
Butler aimed to pass a constitutional amendment this year requiring legislators to pass a budget by June 30 or forfeit their pay. It died in the rules committee. She said at candidates’ forum hosted by PCD, WECT and WHQR this year she would revive the effort and noted her bill would require a public hearing on the budget public and five days for legislators to be able to review the budget.
When it comes to affordability and the economy — which voters across the country and in North Carolina cited as a top issue — Butler named two tax relief programs she’d like to take effect, including the return of the earned income tax credit and allowing circuit breakers to alleviate homeowners from property tax rather than deferring the owed amount.
Merrick told Port City Daily his win signified how important the cost of living is to his constituents.
“I was for the folks who are having a hard time putting gas in their truck, people who are having a hard time affording their healthcare, those people who couldn’t believe their electric bill went up $150 a month,” Merrick said.
All three electees also support the state rolling back the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship program, an effort spearheaded by Lee. In its current iteration, the program provides money for all families, regardless of income, to attend private school, whereas it had operated before by offering money only to lower-income households.
Butler said she expected the Democratic House to curtail eligibility for the scholarship pretty immediately, but would like to see the program phased out entirely.
Though careful about talking about his presumptive win before all ballots were counted, Merrick said, if elected, he would love to continue his work in education reform from the state level after having served on the New Hanover County Board of Education since 2024.
North Carolina has consistently ranked near the bottom among all 50 states for per-pupil spending. Many detractors to the current system argue the model, which pays one amount per student based on school enrollment, does not account for the increased costs associated with certain student populations, such as exceptional children or those from low-income families. Additionally, the allotment formula doesn’t account for how staff members are spread across buildings; for example, if the state only provides for one art teacher every 500 students, smaller schools have to share a teacher or find local money to fund their own.
The state legislature has also denied funding the Leandro plan, remedial guidelines calling for the legislature to inject several billion into public school spending.
Merrick said he was not a fan of “admiring a problem for too long” and thought, with the state’s prior and current explorations into both the student allotment formula and how the state grades schools, there were probably solutions at this point the General Assembly could put into action.
As for Bichler, she said she would like to serve on a committee that focuses on healthcare and medical costs; additionally, she said she would also like to start exploring state changes to make housing more affordable.
Port City Daily asked both Bichler and Merrick how they would define success in their first legislative session, set to begin on Jan. 13. They both pointed to being a novice and needing to learn the ropes.
“I ran on things that matter to me, so my intention is to get to work on those things immediately, and I already have made such great relationships with some of our sitting senators that I’ll know I’ll have some fantastic mentors in the Senate,” Bichler said.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School in Pender County could open a month ahead of schedule by April 2027, providing relief to overcrowded schools as the district prepares for significant student enrollment growth. (Port City Daily/Sophia DePhillips)
PENDER COUNTY — J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School in Pender County could be ready a month ahead of schedule, providing relief to overcrowded schools as the district prepares for significant student enrollment growth.
While giving the media a tour of the facility on Thursday, Pender County Schools Superintendent Brad Breedlove said the construction is slated to finish by late spring 2027, if all continues ahead of schedule. It will open to students for the August 2027 school year.
“The amazing amount of work is just mind-blowing that went into this building,” he said.
“We are under budget,” Breedlove said in terms of construction costs. “That’s something that also needs to be celebrated as well.”
A representative for the district did not respond by press how much less construction costs are than originally budgeted for or where funds outside of the bond would come from.
J.H. Lea will be 285,000 square-feet and is one of the biggest construction projects the district has executed. The school will feature lit athletic fields, two gyms with maple hardwood flooring, two media centers with cushioned reading nooks, and outdoor courtyards for teachers to hold lessons for students.
Reading nooks in the Elementary School media center (Port City Daily/Sophia DePhillips)
“We all like to have smaller environments where our students have plenty of space, our teachers have plenty of space,” Breedlove said.
The campus will house approximately 2,300 pupils— 750 elementaryand 1,562 middle-schoolers.
“I want them [the public] to see that some overcrowding relief is on the way,” Pender County Board of Education Chair Don Hall told Port City Daily when discussing the new building.
Of the district’s nine elementary schools, four are at at least 100% capacity — North Topsail, Topsail Annandale, South Topsail and Surf City. Additionally, two of the district’s five middle schools are at at least 100% capacity — Topsail and Surf City middle.
“Opening up J.H. Lea is going to reduce that stress and that strain on each one of those buildings,” Breedlove said.
Entrance to J.H. Lea (Port City Daily/Sophia DePhillips)
Pender County Schools are currently reviewing district boundaries ahead of J.H. Lea’s opening — overcrowding and future enrollment growth will all be taken into consideration before lines are drawn. A presentation on redistricting recommendations will be given to the board of education in January.
While no lines for redistricting have been drawn yet, a committee is meeting Thursday evening to assess possibilities.
“Building J.H Lea will significantly reduce the amount of students on the east side — Highway 17 schools, kindergarten, through eighth grade,” Breedlove said. “The Topsail Middle School project will house an additional 600 high-school students because that’s going to be remodeled to a high school. So that’s going to relieve a lot of the pressure at the high-school level.”
On top of overcapacity, Breedlove said the district expects a population boom of 3,000 to 5,000 students countywide within the next 10 to 12 years. He noted the focus remains on finishing J.H. Lea and the Topsail Middle School renovation, before they deal with capacity in the western part of the district.
Elementary schools are expected to see the most growth over 10 years, with an increase of approximately 2,682 students. Pender County middle schools are projected to see a 10-year growth of 1,732 students while high schools will increase by approximately 2,052 students.
Have tips or comments for Sophia DePhillips? Email [email protected]
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Li’l Friday features dozens of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more, including ABBAmania at Thalian Hall on Thursday evening. (Courtesy photo)
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozens of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more.
All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
Thursday, Nov. 5
ABBAmania Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $53 and up
The world’s longest-running live ABBA tribute concert has been touring globally since 1999 and is coming to Thalian Hall at 7:30 p.m.
The group pays tribute to the Swedish disco-pop sounds of “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance” and “Waterloo.” ABBAmania has performed 3,000 concerts in more than 35 countries. They often perform in the 1970s costumes, staging and lighting.
Tickets to the show start at $53.50.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS ‘Hysteria! An Original Play’ — An original play staged at N. Front Street Theater, “Hysteria” was written and directed by Jesslyn Wilson and Meghan Cook, with music by local Billy Heathen. The show follows centuries of women, enduring varied struggles — overcoming accusations of witchcraft and surviving modern-day reality TV. In addition to featuring an original score and an original song called “Less of Me” by Julia Desmond, the show includes puppets designed by Alexandra and Phil Covington. The cast includes Joe Basquill, Georgia Cole, Jackson Cole, Brendan Carter, Anna Driscoll and others. Tickets are $28 here.
One of the most colorful events to light up the shoreline takes place this weekend on Pleasure Island: The Cape Fear Kite Festival. (Courtesy photo)
Friday, Nov. 6
Cape Fear Kite Festival Carolina and Kure beaches • Free
One of the most colorful events to light up the shoreline takes place this weekend on Pleasure Island. The Cape Fear Kite Festival is a weekend-long, family-friendly engagement that kicks off Friday afternoon, offering a sneak peek of kites in flight at Kure Beach Pier.
On Friday evening, at dusk along the Carolina Beach beachfront near the Boardwalk, kites light up the night sky, fluttering and flying aglow. There is also a neon dance party with a DJ and drone show, too; it takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, more than 100 professional kite flyers will showcase creations of all shapes and sizes, styles and colors. At the rec area, there are also live bands, food trucks and drinks, and vendors set up. The event takes place both days from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS Rodolfo Zuniga Quartet — A night of jazz is on the horizon with the Rodolfo Zuniga Quartet performing at UNCW Music Department’s Beckwith Recital Hall. Drummer and composer Rodolfo Zuniga, from San José, Costa Rica, has performed with Gary Campbell, Ira Sullivan, Bill Mays, Silvano Monasterios, and others, and teaches jazz at Cal State University Fullerton. The musician has released multiple albums and been featured at festivals around the U.S. and in Central and South America. The latest configuration of Rodolfo’s group is an octet featuring the original “Surfaces” jazz trio he performed with for years, alongside a string trio, electric guitar, and vocals. He performs at UNCW at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $17.14.
Port City Blitz — More than two dozen bands are scheduled to take the Waterline Brewing stage this weekend at 721 Surry St. The event takes place on Nov. 6 and 7, with tickets priced $48 to $67 here. The event is an all-ages punk show and will have skate demos, a punk rock flea market and varied food trucks on site. Music can be heard by The Rumjacks, Strike Anywhere, Holyroller, The Explainers, Dial O, Kicking Bird, Hyperloops and more on Friday, followed by Corrosion of Conformity, Zodiac Panthers, Rocket 77, The Vibrolas, The Knuckleheads and more on Saturday.
The Great Pumpkin Blowout —Looking for a creative way to get rid of your rotting pumpkin? The North Carolina Historic Sites and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site has just the event from noon to 4 p.m For a $10 fee, participants can bring their Jack-o-lanterns to detonate with the same technology that was used during Civil War times to blow up torpedoes. According to the historic site, the gourds that don’t have as much carving will provide the best explosions. Tickets are available onsite the day-of but it’s free to watch. All proceeds fund educational programming at the site. It takes place at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 Saint Philips Road SE.
The annual Polish Festival is returning to the Cape Fear region this weekend at St. Stanislaus Church in Castle Hayne from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors by the thousands — upward of almost 10,000, actually — descend on the area annually during the first weekend of November to indulge in Polish foods, deserts, drinks, music and more. (Courtesy photo)
Saturday, Nov. 7
Polish Festival St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Road • Free
The annual Polish Festival is returning to the Cape Fear region this weekend at St. Stanislaus Church in Castle Hayne from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors by the thousands — upward of almost 10,000, actually — descend on the area annually during the first weekend of November to indulge in Polish foods, deserts, drinks, music and more.
The church brings in authentic kielbasa, pierogi, golabki, kruschiki, and more from Pennsylvania to sell. Homemade food prepared by parishioners will also be for sale, featuring potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, sausage rolls, topped with homemade sauerkraut, and pastries, like chrusciki cookies and nut rolls, priced $8 and up.
Admission is free, but proceeds benefit the upkeep of the church and help subsidize its food pantry, Helping Hands.
Polish music will be played live by the Harbour Towne Fest Band, bringing pop-polka sounds, and Front Street Brewery will have its annual Polish beer for sale.
The festival will also feature crafts for purchase, a raffle with cash prizes, and will have a children’s area with games and inflatables.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS Southeast NC Veterans Parade — Veterans and active-duty personnel are being celebrated on Saturday in downtown Wilmington Southeast NC Veterans Parade, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It kicks off he parade kicks off at the corner of Hanover and N. Third streets, concluding at Market and Third. It’s free to attend and open to the public, but be prepared to endure closed streets downtown. See them all here.
Arty Party — The Arts Council of New Hanover County and Wilmington will host its annual fundraiser, themed “Arty Party Goes to Paris.” It takes place at Sayed Hall on the campus of UNCW from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes business leaders, philanthropists, civic leaders, and arts enthusiasts and artists. There will be live performances from musicians, dancers, actors and more, as well as craft cocktails, food and more. Tickets are $150 here.
Switchfoot — A ‘90s American alternative rock band from San Diego is coming to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Consisting of Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas and Boaz Roberts, Switchfoot started on the Christian rock scene but gained mainstream appeal in the early aughts after a handful of songs appeared in Nicholas Sparks’ film, “A Walk to Remember.” The group also won the Grammy for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for “Hello Hurricane” in 2009. The group released a new album, “Forever Now,” earlier this summer. Tickets to their Greenfield Lake Amphitheater show are $50 here.
‘Taxi Driver’ — It’s the 50th anniversary of the classic “Taxi Driver” directed by Martin Scorsese. The film, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel and Cybill Shepherd, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1976. The story follows a psychotic New York cabbie driven to violence by loneliness and desperation. It’s screening at Thalian Hall at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $10 to $12 here.
ELO Experience — Electric Light Orchestra is known for their progressive, orchestral art rock, featuring cellos, strings, and synthesizers against electric guitars, drums and keys. The band, originally founded by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, changed lineup throughout the decades but is best known for songs like “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” They’ve inspired psych-rock bands like Flaming Lips and Super Furry Animals and a 12-piece band, complete with violins, viola, cello, and electric guitars, and accompanied by Wilmington Symphony Orchestra’s string section, will be performing their music at Wilson Center Friday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $34.50 here.
Emo Kids in Concert — On Nov. 7, Bowstring Brewyard will host the nation’s top Emo party band, Emo Kids in Concert. The group plays through classics by My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, A Day To Remember, Panic! At The Disco, blink-182and more. Tickets are $20 online and concert-goers can also vote on the setlist they want to hear.
North Carolina Spot Festival — A Hampstead tradition since 1963, the North Carolina Spot Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at 14221 N.C. Highway 17. Upward of50,000 people attend over two days to enjoy food, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ bounce houses, as well as the North Carolina Spot Festival Pageant and live music. Annually, around 5,000 pounds of spot — small members of the drum family — are served at the event. The fish have been provided by Atlantic Seafood since 2008 after then-sponsor JH Lea and Sons retired — a fishery that served the Hampstead area for 90 years. Spot plates are sold for $12, served with hushpuppies, French fries and coleslaw. For nonseafood eaters, around a dozen vendors selling cheeseburgers, barbecue, funnel cakes and other offerings. Plus, live music is performed by The Carolina Band (12:30 p.m.), Machine Gun (3:30 p.m.) and Cooper Greer (7:30 p.m.) on Saturday, as well as Billy Yaeger Acoustic (11 a.m. ) and The Band of Oz on Sunday at 2 p.m. Lawn chairs welcome (pets and coolers are not). Also, there will be paid inflatable activities for $20 and craft vendors will be on site. All proceeds go back into the community to fund Topsail schools and Pender EMS and Fire and the festival is run entirely by beneficiary volunteers. More than $30,000 has been raised in years past. Gates open 9 a.m. both days and close Saturday at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Admission is $5.
Don’t miss Monty Python’s “Spamalot” this weekend at Wilson Center. (Courtesy photo)
Sunday, Nov. 8
Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot’ Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $50 and up
Hot off a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2023, “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the Tony Award-winning best musical, comes to CFCC’s Wilson Center Nov. 7-8, for three performances. Lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot” features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
“Spamalot” features everything from flying cows and killer rabbits to British royalty, French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery and, of course, the Lady of the Lake. The musical features songs that have become beloved classics in musical theatre, including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” and “Find Your Grail.”
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS Out to Sea NC Seafood Festival: Saltwater Stories — The Out to Sea NC Seafood Festival is taking place with varied events across town from Nov. 8 through 10. Hosted by Seabird and its owner and chef Dean Neff, the festival features a variety of talented local chefs at various venues paired with history, learning, and above all, delicious seafood creations. Saltwater Stories will feature Voyce Chef Keith Rhodes and highlight the impact of African American foodways on North Carolina’s coast. The stories will focus on the Nixon family who opened the first oyster shucking plant in New Hanover County. John Mallette from Southern Breeze Seafood in Jacksonville, NC, will be doing a cooking demo and two-time James Beard nominee Rhodes of Voyce. Read more about the previous Saltwater Stories Rhodes did over the summer here. Tickets to Sunday’s edition are $75 a person here.
Badass Women of Old Wilmington Walking Tour — If you haven’t heard of Little Wilmington Tours — from founder and 30-year Wilmington resident Steven S. Little — let us introduce you to one of their latest adventures: Badass Women of Old Wilmington Walking Tour. The 90-minute tour features insight about some of the fierce women who helped shape Wilmington’s history — rebels, revolutionaries, spies, troublemakers, and champions. A local guide brings to life the history through personalities and impact. Groups of a dozen or less walk along the historic district of downtown Wilmington to learn about the women. Tickets are $15 to $25 here for a 6 p.m. departure.
Marshall Morgan Project — Wilmington’s most well-known photographer is having his physical photos sorted and digitized by a group of locals. Marshall Morgan has become a Wilmington icon, capturing people, towns and landmarks in the region for almost 50 years, frequently walking the streets of Wrightsville Beach to downtown from 1979 to 2004 with his camera in hand, snapping photos of everyone and selling them out of VW. For almost two years, filmmakers have been documenting and sorting hundreds of thousands of photos, dubbed the “Marshall Morgan Project.” To participate in the final count of more than 500,000 photos of the Big Picture Sort, an event at Holiday Inn Resort at Lumina in Wrightsville Beach is taking place from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. The goal is to have 100 volunteers go through the final 245,000 photographs, organizing and preserving history as every photo Morgan snapped tells a story and puts a fragment of Wilmington’s history into perpetuity. Sign up is here.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
The resignation of Brunswick County Planning Board chair was brought to the forefront of discussion on Monday evening, after a commissioner expressed concern about a disregard to carefully assess development in the county. (Port City Daily/File)
BRUNSWICK COUNTY — The resignation of Brunswick County Planning Board chair was brought to the forefront of discussion on Monday evening, after a commissioner expressed concern about a disregard to carefully assess development in the county.
Commissioner Randy Thompson suggested Clif Cheek should step down from the planning board and the commissioners issue a letter to request his removal. Though the discussion wasn’t on Monday’s agenda, the board approved Thompson’s request to add time to discuss “planning matters.”
“I honestly believe that the leadership on the planning board needs to change,” Thompson said.
His motion to send a letter failed in a 3-2 vote, with Chair Mike Forte, Vice Chair Marty Cooke, and commissioner Frank Williams in opposition.
Thompson took issue over an 829-unit development approved by the planning board on Oct. 12, against planning staff wishes. He thought there was enough concern there for the board to table the project rather than unanimously approving it.
“I’ve had my problems with planning staff recommendations in the past,” Thompson told Port City Daily but conceded there were enough red flags here to be taken a little more seriously.
Cheek’s term on the board is set to end in June 2027, but it’s the second time Thompson has called for his resignation this year.
Two weeks after Cheek lost the primary race for the district 1 commissioner seat — facing off against Thompson — he was called out for accepting campaign donations from developers of projects the board approved. For example, during his campaign Cheek received $3,000 from Robert Wilfong Jr. — the developer of the Cherrytree Tract, approved in March in a 5-1 vote.
Cheek argued accepting campaign contributions from developers does not create a conflict of interest, and such donations are a routine and regulated part of the electoral process and do not, on their own, suggest preferential treatment.
Thompson saidduring a March board of commissioner meeting he sent a letter to Cheek to ask him to leave his position due to the possible conflict of interest. Constituents at the time also were decrying Cheek’s appointment to the board, even starting a petition asking for his removal.
The planning board chair responded to Port City Daily this week he had no intention of resigning.
“I have served in good faith and will continue to carry out my responsibilities fairly and in the best interest of Brunswick County,” Cheek wrote in an email Tuesday. “Mr. Thompson, in fact, was the commissioner who appointed me to the board in good faith and confidence in my ability to serve the community.”
Thompson told Port City Daily he was “strongly encouraged” to appoint Cheek to the position at the behest of the commissioners, due to his professional background. Cheek is a realtor and licensed broker, which Thompson said he was told would be an asset.
The commissioner said he asked the county if he could replace or remove Cheek, but legal advised him against doing so. This process is one Thompson wants to look at with new board member Republican Patti Hewett elected to the commissioners Tuesday evening.
Commissioner Pat Sykes concurred with Thompson at this week’s commissioner meeting and seconded his motion for the board to request Cheek resign.
“I’m really disappointed in the whole planning board,” she said, referring to their 4-0 vote to approve South Cape.
Planning staff, the Town of Leland officials, nearby neighbors in Brunswick Forest, and multiple residents opposed the project due to its lack of connection roads between the development and Brunswick Forest Phase 4 community. Staff wanted the connection roads in order to more evenly distribute traffic.
The developer had proposed restricted road access between the two communities, preventing everyday traffic from using the road.
County staff recommended leaving a connector road open to daily traffic. However, a representative for the developer told the planning board they believed the private development should not be told they need to make a private road a collector street — a road linking neighborhood streets to a highway — from N.C. 133 through the South Cape development.
But the planning board discounted staff advice — viewing the road as a recommendation and not a requirement — and approved it in a unanimous vote.
South Cape is one of the planning board’s final projects to approve, as the board was stripped in July of its authority due to the passage of House Bill 1222. The board will only recommend projects to go before county commissioners for the final say. The law is in effect for all projects applied to in Brunswick County after July 2, 2026, so in the last few months the planning board has been wrapping up final approvals of applications made to the county before the deadline.
“Our planning staff, the information that came from them and their recommendation to the board was not to approve the development,” Thompson iterated to commissioners Monday. “Our planning board chose to approve the development anyway.”
Despite Sykes’ support of Thompson’s motion, other commissioners questioned the letter’s necessity.
“I’ve seen times when there’s been a disagreement between the planning board and the administration,” Cookesaid. “I don’t see that as cause for someone’s removal.”
Williams and Forte did not comment on the matter.
Cheek told Port City Daily that Monday’s motion was nothing but “baseless vitriol” from Thompson.
“[His] only solution to combat the County’s explosive growth is to call for the Planning Board Chair to resign,” Cheek said. “He’s had the opportunity for over a decade, as a Commissioner, to update our Unified Development Ordinance and to put amended rules in place to help control growth and infrastructure strains.”
Brunswick County is the fastest growing county in the state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a population of 174,702 as of July 2025 — up 27.8% from April 2020.
Thompson has made it clear overdevelopment is the largest issue facing the county and moving forward will be his top item of concern as commissioner.
“Our unified development ordinance — or land development ordinance — needs to be changed immediately,” Thompson wrote in his candidate questionnaire to Port City Daily this year. “This can’t happen unless our state legislature removes the downzoning requirement placed on Brunswick County.”
Thompson was referencing Senate Bill 382, enacted in December 2024, which states local governments cannot downzone — or change a land’s use for lower density — without the consent of all impacted property owners.
Cheek countered: “We, the Planning Board, simply follow the rules as set forth by the Commissioners.”
As the second call for the chair’s removal comes, it follows multiple shifts in the planning board within the past year; three turnovers have taken place in about seven months. Ron Medlin was the most recent exit, leaving the board in October. Though Medlin didn’t respond to Port City Daily regarding his exit, StarNews reported a few weeks later that Cheek said Medlin left “due to personal reasons.” Medlin represented district 2 and was replaced by son-in-law Jason Helms, appointed by Cooke, last month.
Former Brunswick County planning board member Jason Gaver left in March, due to moving to New Hanover County and was replaced by Travis Cuse, and was appointed by Forte.
In district 3, Sykes had appointed James Board, but he resigned in March more than a year from when his seat expired. Board cited a lack of authority to manage the county’s growth. Board had referred to the planning board role as nothing more than a “check-mark” process.
“If the intent for the planning board was just to verify what the planning department had already done in that they say it met the county UDO, why do we even have [a planning board review]?” Board questioned. “It’s an unnecessary step in the process.”
Board has yet to be replaced and Sykes told Port City Daily Oct. 5 she wasn’t doing so until all projects that needed final approval by the planning board were complete.
Have tips or comments for Sophia DePhillips? Email [email protected]
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
One of the tightest midterm races in North Carolina comes down to the U.S. Congress District 7 seat: Republican David Rouzer against Democratic challenger Kim Hardy. The district makes up more than 800,000 voters and with all precincts reporting so far,the margin is a little over 2,400 votes. (Courtesy photo)
[Ed. note: The piece was updated to indicate the number of provisional ballots each county has in the NC-7 district, released by the State Board of Elections after press.]
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — One of the tightest midterm races locally comes down to the U.S. Congress District 7 seat: Republican David Rouzer against Democratic challenger Kim Hardy. The district’s multiple counties make up more than 800,000 voters and with all precincts reporting so far, the margin is a little more than 2,400 votes in Rouzer’s favor. Official results still have to be canvassed and provisional ballots counted.
Rouzer has 159,985 (49.89%) votes thus far compared to Hardy’s 157,560 (49.13%), according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Also in the running was Libertarian candidate Maad Abu-Ghazalah, with 3,135 of the votes (0.98%).
It’s the closest race with a Democrat that Rouzer has endured since he took office in 2014. He won with almost 59% of the votes in 2024 against Marlando Pridgen,nearly 58% in 2022 against Charles Graham and 60% in 2020 against Christopher Ward.
“Tonight’s victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many people who believe in the principles that make America great and a stronger future for Southeastern North Carolina. I am deeply grateful to the voters for their continued trust and confidence and to our supporters and volunteers who made this victory possible. It is an honor to serve, and I look forward to continuing to deliver results for the people of North Carolina.”
But not all votes have been counted, including some provisional, military and overseas mail-in and absentee ballots. District 7 makes up eight counties, with the canvass — or ballot certification process — not complete until Friday, Nov. 13.
Hardy responded to Port City Daily per Rouzer’s post that he can “take a victory lap … but we are waiting for the process to play out one way or the other, and that’s it.”
“We don’t know what the final count is on the provisional ballots and stuff. We’ll be chasing and curing ballots in our congressional district,” she added.
District 7 only partially represents Cumberland, Robeson, and Sampson counties, so it’s unclear how many of those provisional ballots will be counted for the race.
Hardy could challenge the contest for a recount, as state statute allows a candidate to do if the margin between the total ballots cast is 1% or less; the District 7 race falls within at roughly 0.75%. Should a recount take place, it would require all eight county election boards to process the request.
However, Hardy is uncertain about filing for the recount at this time as the rest of the ballots are canvassed.
According to the New Hanover County Board of Elections, a candidate’s recount request can be submitted after the completion of the canvass; the deadline is Nov. 16 at 5 p.m.
Rouzer was at Kickback Jacks on Tuesday evening where the New Hanover County GOP hosted its Election Night watch party; more than two dozen Republicans were there, including Rouzer’s staff. The mood was trepidatious but still hopeful as precincts reported numbers.
“All across the country, I knew it would be a rough night for Republicans,” Rouzer told Port City Daily.
Democrats flipped seats, even in the most unlikely places, like Texas and South Carolina. In North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper won the retiring Sen. Thom Tillis’ seat, marking the state’s first Democratic U.S. senator since 2008. The state house took a blue turn for the first time in 16 years and the U.S House of Representatives now has a Democratic majority.
When asked how he would approach the changing congressional landscape with new colleagues, Rouzer pointed to his position as a ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, allowing him to work across the aisle.
“The number two person, Rick Larsen, and I get along really, really well,” Rouzer said. “He’ll be the chairman of the committee. So, from the standpoint of addressing fundamental needs of the country in that realm — in the infrastructure environment — I don’t think there’ll be a tremendous difference.”
Regardless of the results, Rouzer said he would still pursue extending the deadline for the federal grant awarded to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project, as exclusively reported by Port City Daily in October. Rouzer planned to return to Washington D.C. on Monday and said his team would be working until Christmas Eve to secure the grant extension.
However, he was also aware of what lies ahead: “The Democrats are going to try to take the country in a very different way.”
Hardy, who serves as the vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, attributed Tuesday’s blue wave to rising costs not matching wages and an overreach in federal power that have constituents ready for change. If the yet-to-be-counted votes secure her a win, Hardy explained her first goal will be to end the war in Iran.
“Let’s start working on getting the Strait of Hormuz back open. Let’s start working on these gas prices,” Hardy said.
(Due to the rapid increase of the fuel costs, the N.C. General Assembly passed a relief bill in October to temporarily suspend the gas tax, but that lasts until Nov. 30 only.)
Hardy hopes to also initiate a raise in the federal minimum wage; the last time the wage was increased was in July 2009 to $7.25 an hour. In addition, she aims to establish a wealth tax, and pointed to a group called “Patriotic Millionaires” who backed her idea and endorsed her candidacy.
Also top-of-mind: hosting town halls throughout the district — something Rouzer has taken flak for by some constituents; his last one was held in Brunswick County in 2017. For each of the eight counties, Hardy said she held two town halls in the span of eight days this election season, in addition to attending community events, candidate forums and provided mutual aid for her district. If officially elected, she vowed to continue showing up, hosting more town halls in “every county, every year, at minimum,” as well meeting with agricultural leaders and farmers; District 7 is primarily made up of rural communities.
Hardy cited the importance of having public-facing offices in every county, too, so constituents can easily access her and her team. She pointed out Rouzer’s offices in downtown Wilmington are closed; though his website notes he has current space on Independence Boulevard. Rouzer’s team also holds mobile hours in varied counties.
Hardy said the person maintaining the District 7 seat should always be accessible and communicative.
“There is a need for someone who will represent the interests and needs of these folks, and I know I can be that for them,” she said, confirming if the election doesn’t turn out in her favor, after all ballots are counted and confirmed, she would run against Rouzer again.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe hereor make a one-time contribution here.
The New Hanover Community Endowment is awarding four grants totaling $4,812,055 intended to help residents find safety and support, get the care they need, and enjoy more places to learn, play and gather. (Port City Daily/file photo)
WILMINGTON — The New Hanover Community Endowment is awarding four grants totaling $4,812,055 intended to help residents find safety and support, get the care they need, and enjoy more places to learn, play and gather.
“The Endowment’s resources are here to benefit everyone in New Hanover County,” Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO of The Endowment, said in a press release. “Every resident benefits when families have support, people can get the care they need, and our community has inspiring places to learn, create and gather. We’re investing in a healthier, safer and more vibrant New Hanover County, today and for generations to come.”
New Hanover Outreach Clinic will receive $150,000 to provide free emergency dental care for uninsured, limited-income residents of New Hanover County. Funding supports dental services, equipment upgrades and staffing, helping volunteer dentists and oral surgeons treat urgent dental problems.
Reach Out and Read will receive $120,000 over three years to strengthen its program at participating pediatric clinics and expand to another location in New Hanover County. During routine checkups, providers give families free, age-appropriate books and show parents and caregivers how reading together supports their child’s development, building language skills, strengthening family bonds and connecting families with additional support.
The Cameron Art Museum will receive $1.5 million to support the construction of a new education pavilion and the first phase of CAM’s Art Park. These improvements will expand access to outdoor recreation, arts education, and family-friendly activities while strengthening the museum’s role as a cultural and community destination. An initial $750,000 payment will help unlock a $500,000 matching gift already secured by the museum. The remaining $750,000 will be released when CAM raises an equal amount, creating the potential for a combined investment of $2.75 million in the museum’s facilities and outdoor spaces.
Lastly, the New Hanover County Community Justice Center will receive $3.04 million to “sustain and expand its services” over three years.
The CJC began with a grant from $5-million grant from The Endowment in 2023 and launched to the public in 2024. The CJC helps survivors of family violence and sexual assault access legal assistance, health care, housing support, and other resources; it was also launched with the intention of targeting youth violence, particularly gangs, but this sector has not gotten off the ground.
The new Endowment grant will fund a coordinator to manage collaboration across agencies and a child advocate to support children who have experienced or witnessed violence, connecting services for survivors and families with youth violence prevention and intervention. It will also support services, cross-agency training and technical assistance as the center works toward national Family Justice Center affiliation.
The DA is still working on the youth component of the CJC. Though David based the nonprofit on the national Family Justice Center model, founded by the Alliance for Hope International, the CJC differs in its mission by also focusing on curbing youth violence.
The CJC has also struggled to demonstrate its successes and impact in hard numbers. Recently, The Endowment paid $60,000 — outside of its typical grant process and without public notice — for Alliance for Hope International to assess New Hanover County’s Community Justice Center. The Endowment told Port City Daily the assessment will provide “valuable support and technical assistance” to the CJC by offering “opportunities for course corrections and continuous improvement.”
When the CJC first launched, Ben David, former district attorney and director of the CJC until the end of 2026, said his goal was for the center to be government-funded by the end of The Endowment’s initial grant. The $5 million covered capital costs — rent and operating costs are now estimated at $400,000 annually — along with four assistant district attorneys and four legal assistants.
In its 2026-2027 budget, New Hanover County committed $300,000 in operating support for the CJC, plus $430,000 to cover the center’s eight district attorney’s office positions from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2027. The CJC also received $200,000 in the state budget and asked the City of Wilmington for $100,000, though this was not granted.
“This investment advances the family safety and stability focus of our Community Safety strategy by helping survivors and families access coordinated support that addresses the lasting effects of violence and trauma,” The Endowment’s Director of Social and Health Equity and Community Safety Mary Vail Ware said in a press release. “Linking that support with youth violence prevention strengthens the network for young people and their families and creates another pathway to prevent violence and intervene early.”
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (Port City Daily/Amy Passaretti)
Criticism of one replacement option for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge has prompted the North Carolina Department of Transportation to make a major modification and open a new public comment period on the updated version. (Port City Daily/file photo)
WILMINGTON — Criticism of one replacement option for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge has prompted the North Carolina Department of Transportation to make a major modification and open a new public comment period on the updated version.
NCDOT Division 3 Engineer Trevor Caroll announced in a press conference Wednesday morning the agency has modified Alternative B, the 135-foot fixed-span bridge. As a result, the original design for the 135-foot bridge is no longer being considered.
The modified version features a corkscrew ramp along the river allowing the bridge to deposit cars onto Third Street instead of Fifth Avenue, as the original design included. Many critics of the original design were concerned about the significant impact the bridge’s expanded infrastructure would have on downtown Wilmington, including the city’s and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s $15.75-million contribution to Fifth Avenue improvements and other city investments.
“We received over 1,800 comments for this project in this previous open period,” Caroll said, referring to the public comment period that closed last month. “This modification should really show everyone how serious we are about those public comments and that they matter. What we have done is minimize a lot of those concerns.”
According to NCDOT’s estimates, the new design will also cost $1.02 billion, less than both originals, which came in at $1.03 billion for the 135-foot and $1.11 billion for 65-foot fixed bridge with a movable span reaching 135 feet (Alternative A).
The replacement project’s design team has been evaluating two options since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard determined the replacement bridge should have a 135-foot clearance.
The original 135-foot bridge drew criticism from many local legislators, particularly the Wilmington City Council, the Historic Wilmington Foundation and other Wilmington stakeholders, due to the impact it would have on downtown. According to the project’s environmental assessment, a bridge reaching to Fifth Avenue would affect 63 parcels and potentially require the relocation of two homes and two businesses, compared to the 65-foot bridge’s impact on 22 parcels and potential relocation of three businesses.
Caroll said Wednesday the modified 135-foot bridge will impact 17 parcels instead of 63.
Port City Daily asked NCDOT why the modified design was not presented as the original option but did not receive a response by press.
NCDOT is opening a new public comment period on the new design and the 65-foot bridge. Feedback can be submitted until Dec. 4 either online or via mail; there will not be any in-person public comment sessions.
Project timeline, the toll question
Carroll said Wednesday the modification and its public comment period will not delay the replacement project’s timeline. NCDOT’s intention is to choose an alternative design in early 2027.
NCDOT and the other state and federal agencies on the project team are also being held to a federal grant timeline. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement was given $242 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, though these funds need to be obligated by September 2027.
New Hanover County and Wilmington elected leaders have called for the federal government to either provide more funding for the project or extend the grant obligation deadline in an effort to avoid or reduce the project’s need for tolls. Right now, the remaining price tag for the bridge — aside from the federal $242 million and NCDOT’s $85 million contribution — would need to be paid for through tolling.
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, made up of representatives from the tri-counties and their municipalities, voted to submit the project with tolling included in January 2024.The WMPO could choose to rescind its approval, though this would need to happen in February.
On Wednesday, Carroll confirmed the tolling of the new Cape Fear Memorial Bridge could also be hindered in another way: The state legislature will need to approve the tolling of an existing facility.
State law currently allows NCDOT to toll new roadways. NCDOT’s position throughout the last few years of discussing the Cape Fear Memorial has been that the replacement bridge is a new facility, even though it is replacing an existing route.
Port City Daily asked NCDOT when its position changed and who made the determination that the replacement bridge would not be considered new. NCDOT did not respond by press.
Carroll said the North Carolina General Assembly will need to pass an authorization in February to keep the project on track to meet the federal grant’s deadline.
It is unclear what the path forward would look like without legislation approving the toll. An un-tolled version of the bridge has not scored high enough for inclusion in NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program, meaning it would not receive the state’s $85 million in funding without the toll.
Carroll said NCDOT would need to determine next steps in the event of a toll prohibition.
At the press conference, Ben Schachtman of WHQR also asked the Division 3 engineer if NCDOT was considering the bridge replacement options submitted by the City of Wilmington in the last round of public comment.
“Our current path that we’re trying to deliver only considers these two alternatives at this time,” Carroll said. “Some of those options that the City of Wilmington presented are, I would say, welcome alternatives; however, constraints for this project, delivering this project on schedule, we do not have the opportunity to explore these options within this time frame.”
The city’s three options include two lift bridges side-by-side, one for incoming traffic and the other for outgoing. This would retain the current CFMB, with repairs, and cost around $585 million, according to the city’s consultants. Another option was revival of the “southern bridge” closer to the Port of Wilmington, though this would cost $6 billion.
The third option is replacing the CFMB with a bascule bridge, like the Isabel Holmes Bridge to the north. Under the consultant’s scenario, the bridge would be 65 feet and open to 135 feet, though it would need to be built across a 200-foot-wide channel to remain cost-effective.
The U.S. Coast Guard currently mandates a channel width of 400 feet at the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, thus the channel width would need to be reduced to accommodate this type of bridge.
Carroll said NCDOT has been in talks with the U.S. Corps of Engineers about reducing the channel width.
“Those details have not been ironed out yet,” he said, adding if new pathways open up NCDOT would consider them.
Early results from the midterm elections have come with quite a few changes in 2026, including incumbents being outvoted in numerous races from the county board of commissioners to the board of education, up to the North Carolina General Assembly. Many wins will flip Republican to Democratic seats. (Port City Daily/Brenna Flanagan)
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Early results from the midterm elections have come with quite a few changes in 2026, including incumbents being outvoted in numerous races from the county board of commissioners to the board of education, up to the North Carolina General Assembly. Many wins will flip Republican to Democratic seats, after 54% of the 190,897 registered county voters turned out to cast ballots.
The Democratic Party hosted an election night event at downtown’s Savard Beer and Board on Tuesday as numbers rolled in. The vibe was exuberant, with lots clapping, a few screams and plenty of people swarming candidates for photo opportunities as early results came into full view.
New Hanover County Democratic Party Chair Jill Hopman said the results really hadn’t hit her yet.
“Obviously, there was a blue wave — and we saw it all over,” she said.
Former Gov. Roy Cooper won the U.S. Senate seat against Republican Michael Whatley. North Carolina was a battleground state, with Democrats projected to take control of the U.S. Senate and House by press.
As of midnight, it was unclear how the local U.S. House District 7 would shape up, with Republican David Rouzer facing off against Democrat Kim Hardy and Libertarian Maad Abu-Ghazalah. Hardy and Rouzer are neck-and-neck, with the latter having 49.70% of the vote and his challenger coming in at 49.33%.
One of the top races in New Hanover County is for the District 9 Senate seat: Republican incumbent Michael Lee against Democrat Jessica Bichler. Preliminary numbers indicate Bichler has secured the win with 48,310 votes to Lee’s 43,468.
“I’m feeling relieved and excited and ready to get to work,” Bichler told Port City Daily, noting her campaign seemed to resonate with people who wanted change. “I saw so many young people inspired.”
She said the controversial political ads that grabbed many headlines this election season also didn’t hurt, suspecting many people were offended and tired by them.
“I think it goes beyond just politics and policy,” Bichler said. “We’re at a point where people are being so dishonest and disrespectful and people are sick of it. And so I’m ready for the change.”
Hopman said the fact that Bichler won and Democratic candidate Tim Merrick is up by 101 votes in House District 20 is exciting. Though, provisional ballots still are out there to be counted as well, which could affect Merrick’s lead.
Statewide, Democrats took back control of the House, which have been Republican controlled fo 16 years. Keeping with the trend, Merrick outpaced Republican Dane Scalise to take over the seat from former Republican Ted Davis, who decided to retire this year. Merrick has secured 22,054 votes, against Scalise’s 21,953. It could fall within recount territory, according to state statue, which indicates a margin of 1% or less of the total votes can be contested.
Merrick told Port City Daily 101 votes are slim and he wanted to ensure every vote is counted: “Every single voice in New Hanover County matters and so I’m open to that process. (Port City Daily/Brenna Flanagan)
Merrick told Port City Daily 101 votes are slim and he wanted to ensure all votes are counted: “Every single voice in New Hanover County matters and so I’m open to that process.”
Merrick also believes his campaign has ticked ahead because people are concerned by everyday financial challenges that have become burdensome with inflation — whether it’s affording groceries or fuel, increased utility bills or healthcare.
“We need to take care of people, not corporations,” Merrick said.
The jovial mood at Savard poured over to Democrats winning multiple seats on the school board, too. Four were up for grabs, with two Republican incumbents in the race, Pat Bradford and Josie Barnhart, falling to the bottom of the polls, at 41,692 and 40,868 votes respectively. The top vote-getters were all Democrats, with Jerry Jones securing the most at 53,653, Brittnei LaRue at 53,591, Margie Gewirtzman at 51,796, and Wendy Dale at 45,413.
Jones told Port City Daily his win is vindicating, in that his message has resonated across the polls since the primary election.
“It’s a clear signal to us, like we want you to continue governing the way you campaign,” Jones said.
With the new board members, the school board will have a Democratic majority, serving with one Libertarian, David Perry. Should Merrick’s win be official, the Democratic Party will also be responsible for picking who replaces him on the school board.
If Scalise is certified the winner for District 20, the Republicans will have to go through the process of choosing a New Hanover County commissioner replacement.
Tuesday’s midterm elections also have the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners switching from Republican- to Democratic-leaning. Rob Zapple received most votes, 56,259, and will maintain his seat, while LeShonda Wallace will be the newcomer on the board, taking a lead over Republican Chair LeAnn Pierce. Wallace had 8,846 votes more than Pierce’s 41,217 votes.
Wallace vowed to focus efforts on safety, housing affordability and access to opportunity: “I want to help foster increased collaboration across the region and execute the will of the people through shared values and cooperation.”
The New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court also has new leadership in Jennie Thomason, who won against Republican incumbent Jan Kennedy by 13,900 votes. Kennedy has been serving the county since 2010.
“Did we win races I cannot believe that we won tonight?” Hopman asked rhetorically. “I mean, sweeping city council is one thing. Sweeping the county is something entirely different.”
In addition, all the constitutional amendments passed in the county, as well as the $320.5-million school bond referendum.
Below are results from the N.C. State Board of Elections, which will be canvassed on Friday, Nov. 13.
U.S. Senate
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Roy Cooper
DEM
61,640
60.00%
Michael Whatley
REP
38,636
37.61%
Shannon W. Bray
LIB
1,535
1.49%
Michael Dublin
GRE
929
0.90%
U.S. House of Representatives District 7
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Kimberly Hardy
DEM
56,851
55.41%
David Rouzer
REP
44,414
43.29%
Maad Abu-Ghazalah
LIB
1,335
1.30%
N.C. Supreme Court Associate JusticeSeat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Anita Earls
DEM
59,878
58.81%
Sarah Stevens
REP
41,946
41.19%
N.C. Court of Appeals JusticeSeat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
John S. Arrowood
DEM
58,029
57.30%
Michael C. Byrne
REP
43,235
42.70%
N.C. Court of Appeals JusticeSeat 2
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Tobias (Toby) Hampson
DEM
58,026
57.41%
George Cooper Bell
REP
43,046
42.59%
N.C. Court of Appeals JusticeSeat 3
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Christine Marie Walczyk
DEM
58,263
57.72%
Craig Collins
REP
42,681
42.28%
N.C. Senate District 7
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Jessica Bichler
DEM
48,310
52.64%
Michael Lee
REP
43,469
47.36%
N.C. Senate District 8
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Richard (Rick) Combes
DEM
8,780
83.14%
Bill Rabon
REP
1,509
14.29%
Tim White
LIB
272
2.58%
N.C. House of Representatives District 18
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Deb Butler
DEM
24,899
70.42%
Latisha Grady
REP
10,460
29.58%
N.C. House of Representatives District 19
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Scott Nasiff
DEM
11,310
49.91%
Charlie Miller
REP
11,351
50.09%
N.C. House of Representatives District 20
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Tim Merrick
DEM
22,054
50.11%
Dane Scalise
REP
21,953
49.89%
N.C. Superior Court Judge District 6B Seat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Kelly Colquette Hanley
DEM
22,062
50.44%
G. Frank Jones
REP
21,678
49.56%
N.C. District Court Judge District 6 Seat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Lindsey L. McKee
REP
58,039
100.00%
N.C. District Court Judge District 6 Seat 2
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
James H. Faison III
DEM
60,821
60.13%
Kurt B. Fryar
REP
40,328
39.87%
N.C. District Court Judge District 6 Seat 3
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Melinda H. Crouch
DEM
59,195
58.53%
Janelle L. Cline
REP
41,944
41.47%
N.C. District Court Judge District 6 Seat 4
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Katherine Corpening
DEM
57,185
56.58%
Chad Hogston
REP
43,883
43.42%
District Attorney District 6
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Jason W. Smith
REP
58,073
100.00%
New Hanover County Commissioners
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Rob Zapple
DEM
56,259
28.97%
LeShonda Wallace
DEM
51,063
26.29%
LeAnn Pierce
REP
42,217
21.74%
Richard M. Collier
REP
39,369
20.27%
Bob Drach
LIB
5,299
2.73%
New Hanover County Board of Education
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Jerry Jones, Jr.
DEM
54,132
14.44%
Brittnei LaRue
DEM
54,083
14.43%
Margie Gewirtzman
DEM
52,273
13.95%
Wendy Dale
DEM
45,823
12.23%
Amy Dunning
REP
42,897
11.45%
Chris Sutton
REP
42,721
11.40%
Pat Bradford
REP
41,837
11.16%
Josie Barnhart
REP
41,028
10.95%
New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Jennie Thomason
DEM
57,516
56.87%
Jan Giacalone Kennedy
REP
43,614
43.13%
New Hanover County Sheriff
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Ed McMahon
REP
63,771
100.00%
New Hanover County Soil and Water District
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Kelly McConnell
51,902
37.90%
Cate Calson
41,537
30.33%
Frank Christopher Meares
32,187
23.50%
deAndre Corniffe
9,629
7.03%
Write-In (Miscellaneous)
1,698
1.24%
Constitutional Amendment: Require ID for Voting
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
57,505
56.90%
Against
43,567
43.10%
Constitutional Amendment: Max income tax rate of 3.5%
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
60,799
60.12%
Against
40,335
39.88%
Constitutional Amendment: Property tax levy limit
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
60,753
60.13%
Against
40,289
39.87%
New Hanover County School Bond Referendum
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Yes
65,712
67.85%
No
31,140
32.15%
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will consider approving its comprehensive land use plan Monday. (Courtesy Brunswick County)
Now that polls have closed, preliminary election numbers show few changes in Brunswick County, aside from a new commissioner and school board member taking seats on the county boards. (Port City Daily/File)
BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Now that polls have closed, preliminary election numbers indicate few changes are coming to Brunswick County, aside from a new commissioner and school board member taking seats on local boards.
When it comes to state races, Sen. Bill Rabon and House Representatives Frank Iler and Carson Smith have held onto their seats in the North Carolina General Assembly — all three maintaining healthy spreads against their Democratic opponents.
Locally, Commissioner Randy Thompson has maintained his District 1 seat on the board of commissioners, with Republican Patti Hewett taking over from District 2’s Marty Cooke, who lost the primary earlier this year. Thompson’s Democratic opponent, Gary Woods, received 37,290 votes compared to Thompson’s 48,062. Hewett held tight with 48,798 votes compared to Democrat Sara Singer’s 36,933.
On the school board, Republican Steve Gainey has kept his District 5 seat against Democrat Brian Rupp, by 11,826 votes. Republican Paige Morgan has secured District 3 against Democrat Susanne Duncan by almost 12,000 votes.
Around 57% of the 151,748 registered voters turned out for the 2026 midterms in Brunswick County. They also voted to pass all constitutional amendments and the $349.6-million school bond referendum on the ballot this year.
Below are the preliminary results from the N.C. State Board of Elections, which will be canvassed on Friday, Nov. 13.
U.S. Senate
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Michael Whatley
REP
44,936
51.84%
Roy Cooper
DEM
39,795
45.91%
Shannon W. Bray
LIB
1,267
1.46%
Michael Dublin
GRE
690
0.80%
U.S. House of Representatives District 7
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
David Rouzer
REP
49,312
56.84%
Kimberly Hardy
DEM
36,840
42.47%
Maad Abu-Ghazalah
LIB
600
0.69%
N.C. Supreme Court Associate JusticeSeat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Sarah Stevens
REP
46,995
54.60%
Anita Earls
DEM
39,079
45.40%
N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeSeat 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Michael C. Byrne
REP
49,060
57.09%
John S. Arrowood
DEM
36,871
42.91%
N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeSeat 2
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
George Cooper Bell
REP
48,869
56.93%
Tobias (Toby) Hampson
DEM
36,974
43.07%
N.C. Court of Appeals JudgeSeat 3
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Craig Collins
REP
48,289
56.48%
Christine Marie Walczyk
DEM
37,207
43.52%
N.C. Senate District 8
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Bill Rabon
REP
47,835
55.36%
Richard (Rick) Combes
DEM
36,581
42.33%
Tim White
LIB
1,994
2.31%
N.C. House of Representatives District 17
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Frank Iler
REP
29,965
54.50%
Dennis A. Breen
DEM
25,019
45.50%
N.C. House of Representatives District 19
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Charlie Miller
REP
18,384
58.99%
Scott Nasiff
DEM
12,783
41.01%
N.C. District Court Judge District 15 Seat 2
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Bryan D. Wilson
REP
55,058
100.00%
N.C. District Court Judge District 15 Seat 5
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Will M. Callihan, Jr.
REP
54,864
100.00%
N.C. District Court Judge District 15 Seat 7
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Sarah McPherson
REP
55,584
100.00%
District Attorney District 15
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
J.K. Somers
REP
54,987
100.00%
Brunswick County Commissioner District 1
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Randy Thompson
REP
48,602
56.59%
Gary Woods
DEM
37,290
43.41%
Brunswick County Commissioner District 2
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Patti Hewett
REP
48,798
56.92%
Sara Singer
DEM
36,933
43.08%
Brunswick County Board of Education District 3
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Paige Morgan
REP
48,863
56.98%
Susanne Duncan
DEM
36,895
43.02%
Brunswick County Board of Education District 5
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Steve Gainey
REP
48,675
56.91%
Brian D. Rupp
DEM
36,849
43.09%
Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Katie Madon
REP
56,149
100.00%
Brunswick County Sheriff
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Brian M. Chism
REP
57,861
100.00%
Brunswick County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictSupervisor
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Mike Barbee
38,384
38.37%
Jody E. Clemmons
38,216
38.20%
Anthony Street
21,552
21.54%
Write-In (Miscellaneous)
1,883
1.88%
Constitutional Amendment: Require ID for Voting
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
62,674
73.91%
Against
22,127
26.09%
Constitutional Amendment: Max income tax rate of 3.5%
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
64,555
76.16%
Against
20,208
23.84%
Constitutional Amendment: Property tax levy limit
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
For
62,915
74.23%
Against
21,841
25.77%
Brunswick County School Bond Referendum
NAME ON BALLOT
PARTY
BALLOT COUNT
PERCENT
Yes
45,076
54.95%
No
36,960
45.05%
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
