Democrat Danny Davis has announced that he will challenge Republican incumbent Mark Pless for North Carolina 118th House District, made up of Haywood and Madison counties.

Brian Kirkland, who served as interim sheriff in Swain County following the scandalous retirement of Curtis Cochran, has been appointed to serve out the rest of the current term. 

To the Editor:

As we approach the 2026 mid-term elections, the political climate is marked by uncertainty for the Democratic Party. Confusion and disorder echo throughout their ranks, causing many to doubt the party’s sustainability. Meanwhile, the Republican Party has a unique opportunity to benefit from this chaos, provided it avoids complacency and overconfidence. 

In 2026, the United States Census Bureau is conducting three field tests in “American Indian Areas” to prepare for unique challenges presented in those areas ahead of the 2030 census. Last week, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council voted to approve the field test.