NCCUL Headline Stories

Pam Melton is the League's Director of Political Affairs.

Amidst political scandals from both parties and a controversial amendment, North Carolinians headed to the polls on May 8 to cast votes for the candidates of their choice.

Most voters have strong opinions one way or the other about social issues or issues that impact them personally. Therefore, it can be difficult to separate the personal from the business aspect when casting a vote. The League’s goal is to help credit union employees and members take a closer look at races and specific candidates who are supportive of our industry or at least willing to listen to our concerns. Attached you’ll find a list of candidates that CUPAC, the League’s political action committee, supported in the Primary Election.

Only one candidate that CUPAC supported was defeated in the Primary Election. Representative Efton Sager, who was double-bunked with Representative Jimmy Dixon as a result of redistricting, lost his bid for re-election. Representative Sager is a strong credit union champion and will be missed by our industry. The League was aware that he would face a difficult race but was committed to CUPAC supporting him.

With the loss of one of our strong champions at the General Assembly, the League and the Governmental Affairs Committee will be carefully reviewing the upcoming races and identifying potential credit union advocates, whether they are state or federal candidates.

Congressional Races

Runoffs are the big story for the Congressional races so before the League can focus on the General Election candidates, we need to get past the July 17 runoff election. Currently, there are three Congressional runoffs in North Carolina, Districts 8, 9 and 11. While all races are important and offer the potential to build long-term relationships, the League is currently more focused on the outcome of the three runoffs.

Credit unions are closely watching District 8 because our advocate and friend, Congressman Larry Kissell will be facing a difficult race with the winner of the July 17 runoff between Republican candidates. The District 8 runoff will pit long-term political insider, who once served as Congresswoman Virginia Foxx’s Chief of Staff, against Scott Keadle, dentist and Iredell County Commissioner, in a hotly contested rematch.

Congressman Larry Kissell is in a vulnerable position regardless of who he will face in November. As a strong supporter of credit unions, we will look for ways to show our support for Congressman Kissell as he faces a difficult fight in November.

The next race to watch is District 9, currently held by Congresswoman Sue Myrick, who decided not to seek re-election this November. The District 9 runoff is between Jim Pendergraph, Vice-Chair of Mecklenburg County Commissioners and former State Senator Robert Pittenger. Pendergraph has received the endorsement of Congresswoman Myrick and Pittenger has received Congressman McHenry’s endorsement.

District 9 is a strong Republican District so while the winner of the July 17 runoff will face a Democrat in the General Election, the winner will likely be the Republican candidate.

While it doesn’t appear to be getting as much attention as the other Congressional runoffs, the District 11 rematch between Mark Meadows and Vance Patterson, both businessmen, will be one to watch as well. The winner will face Democrat, Hayden Rogers, who was Chief of Staff to the current seat-holder, Rep. Heath Shuler.

Another race the League will monitor closely is not involved in a runoff. It’s the race in District 13. The Republican candidate is George Holding, former US Attorney, and member of the prominent Smithfield, NC banking family. He is the first cousin of First Citizens Bank CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. He’s probably best known for his prosecution of corrupt NC politicians. Holding will face Democrat Charles Malone, Equal Employment Officer for the Department of Natural Resources.

State Races

Currently there are seven runoffs scheduled for state legislative races. While the League is not focused on these races, we will certainly monitor them and look for any opportunities to build credit union advocates.

Below is a list of the runoffs scheduled for the House and Senate.

One state level race that’s extremely important to credit unions is the Republican race in House District 10 between incumbent Stephen LaRoque and challenger John Bell of North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union in Goldsboro. Representative LaRoque initially indicted that he would not request a recount. However, it appears that he may possibly request one. The Governmental Affairs Committee approved a PAC contribution for Bell to support his primary election race. He is a strong candidate and will definitely be a strong credit union champion at the legislature.

The League will provide more insight into the candidates once all races are resolved. We will invite candidates to our North Carolina Credit Unions, send candidate questionnaires and provide election updates.

For additional election information, please select the following links:

• Candidates supported by CUPAC in the Primary Election
• Election results (provided by North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation)

If you have any knowledge about candidates or relationships with candidates in your area, the League would like to hear from you. Please contact Pam Melton of the League with any election related information.