November 2025
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• Democrats had a strong 2025 off-year election. Over 150 races flipped Democratic in North Carolina, and 25 of 27 Wake County Democratic-endorsed candidates won, including several mayor races.
• Major statewide races broke heavily Democratic. Big wins included Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, and Zohran Mamdani in New York City.
• Clear messaging and strong candidates mattered. Focusing on cost-of-living issues, optimism, and running the right candidates helped Democrats outperform expectations.
✅ Action item: Help your local community register voters and volunteer in local races now to build momentum for the 2026 midterms.
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• The “No Kings” protests were massive and nationwide. About 7 million people joined 2,500+ protests across the U.S., including large demonstrations across North Carolina (Raleigh, Cary, Asheville, Durham, and more).
• Protestors were pushing back on executive power and policies. Demonstrators criticized actions by Donald Trump and JD Vance, including immigration raids, federal job cuts, and redistricting efforts, arguing they threatened democracy and constitutional checks and balances.
• The protests energized political engagement. Organizers used the events to recruit volunteers and encourage voting, and many Democratic candidates later won local races—especially in Wake County.
✅ Action item: Attend or help organize peaceful demonstrations, voter outreach, or issue-based events to keep people engaged and motivated ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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• I-40 and Aviation Parkway has the most crashes in Wake County. The intersection recorded 44 crashes in the first half of the year, though most were not severe.
• Transportation officials analyze crash patterns. The North Carolina Department of Transportation studies data (like rear-end crashes or injury rates) to decide where safety improvements are most needed.
• Road upgrades are planned across the county. Projects include an auxiliary lane on Interstate 40, signal and crosswalk upgrades at Interstate 440 and Glenwood Avenue, and a new interchange at Interstate 540 and Capital Boulevard.
✅ Action item: Stay informed about local transportation projects and attend city or county meetings to advocate for safer roads, transit, and pedestrian improvements in your community. 🚦
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• Raleigh approved a controversial high-rise rezoning. The Raleigh City Council voted 6–2 to allow a 27-story mixed-use development near Smoky Hollow at Peace and West streets—above the city’s normal downtown height limit.
• Neighbors raised several concerns. Critics worried about building height, increased traffic, and limited affordable housing, though the proposal includes $1.2 million dedicated to affordable housing.
• Supporters argue it helps downtown growth. Proponents say more residents downtown could increase activity, reduce crime through “eyes on the street,” and replace surface parking with vibrant development.
✅ Action item: Follow local zoning and development proposals and attend city council or planning meetings to advocate for housing affordability and smart growth in Raleigh.
