NCDP Rural Caucus

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

The NCDP Rural Caucus is pleased to announce three new candidate endorsements!

Congratulations to:

⭐ Charlie Wallen – NC House District 93

⭐ Zyaire Bell – NC House District 10

⭐ Brittany Newton – NC House District 46

We’re proud to recognize these candidates as they seek to represent North Carolina communities in the General Assembly.

Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

10/13/2026

Receiving a letter does NOT mean you've lost your right to vote.

10/12/2026

Rural Healthcare Is at Risk. Let's Pay Attention.

Across rural North Carolina, access to healthcare is already a serious concern. Hospitals operate on tight margins, providers are difficult to recruit, and many residents travel significant distances for care.

The federal Medicaid changes could make those challenges even greater.

KFF estimates that the 2025 federal budget law will reduce Medicaid spending by approximately $911 billion nationwide over the next decade, while increasing the number of uninsured Americans.

Rural communities have particular reason to pay attention. Medicaid helps support patients, healthcare providers, and hospitals that many communities depend on.

When healthcare coverage is reduced, the consequences can extend beyond individual patients to the financial stability of the entire rural healthcare system.

Rural North Carolina deserves reliable access to healthcare, strong local hospitals, and policies that recognize the challenges our communities already face.

Let's keep this conversation grounded in facts and focused on the people affected.

Source: KFF - Federal Medicaid Spending and Coverage Analysis

10/08/2026

What’s Happening in Rural North Carolina?

Two small rural towns, Ronda in Wilkes County and Rowland in Robeson County, have officially had their finances placed under state control.

On October 6, the NC Local Government Commission voted to intervene after years of financial concerns, including budget problems, delayed audits, and questions about the towns’ ability to manage their finances.

Both communities are located in rural counties represented by Republicans in the NC General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

This raises some important questions about the challenges facing small rural communities.

How do towns with limited tax bases maintain essential services, aging infrastructure, and financial stability? What resources are available to help struggling municipalities before state intervention becomes necessary?

Rural communities deserve strong local leadership, financial accountability, and the resources needed to remain sustainable.

This is worth watching, particularly as other small towns across North Carolina face increasing financial and infrastructure pressures.

Read more: https://www.wect.com/2026/10/07/state-leaders-take-control-two-towns-north-carolina/

NCDP Rural Caucus
Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

Leaders voted to assume control of Ronda and Rowland amid the towns' financial distress.

10/05/2026

Now is the time to make your voting plan.

North Carolina's voter-registration deadline is October 9.

Early voting begins October 15 and continues through October 31 at 3 p.m.

Election Day is November 3.

During early voting, you can vote at any early voting location in your county. Eligible voters who missed the regular registration deadline may also be able to register and vote during the early voting period.

Before you go:
Check your voter registration.
Look at your sample ballot.
Research the candidates.

Know what matters to you and your community.
Then make your voice heard.
Rural North Carolina matters. Rural voters matter. And your vote matters.

Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future

09/30/2026

What should we expect from someone who wants to represent a rural community?

We think that's a question worth asking before Election Day.
A strong rural representative should understand that rural North Carolina isn't one single issue.

It's access to healthcare.
It's strong public schools and keeping good teachers.
It's roads, broadband and reliable infrastructure.

It's protecting family farms and supporting small businesses.
It's creating economic opportunities without forgetting the people who already live here.
And sometimes it's simply being willing to sit down, listen and understand what a community needs before making decisions for it.

Your vote is your job interview with the candidate.

Ask good questions. Look beyond the campaign slogans. Decide who you believe will represent your community well.

09/28/2026

Election Day is getting closer and early voting begins October 15.

Before you fill in that ballot, take a little time to learn about the people asking for your vote.
In rural communities, good representation matters.

Ask yourself:
Does this candidate understand the challenges facing rural communities?

Do they listen even when people disagree with them?

Are they talking about healthcare, schools, jobs, infrastructure, agriculture and the cost of living?

Do they show up in rural communities, or just talk about us during election season?

And most importantly: What have they actually done or what are they proposing to do?

A familiar name, a political party or a campaign sign shouldn't be the only reason we choose someone to represent us.

Do your homework. Ask questions. Then vote.
Rooted in Community • Focused on the Future