One Year In
An update from the road
One year ago, I launched my campaign for the U.S. Senate.
It was not in my plans to go to Washington. In fact, when I left the Governor’s office in January of last year, the first thing I did was rip off the tie and dress shoes and put on my MJ sneakers. I spent time at my farm, caught up on some reading and movies, watched sports and enjoyed being with my family.
The decision to run for US Senate wasn’t easy, and I shared why I decided to run with you all a couple weeks ago.
Today, I wanted to reflect upon my time on the trail since we launched this campaign last July.
From talking about health care policies in Wake County with doctors and patients…
To hearing in Wilson County from our farmers about how reckless tariffs are affecting their work…
To a great day at the North Carolina State Fair…
To catching up with local faith and business leaders…
To meeting with students at NC A&T…
To celebrating primary night with my wife and all of you…
To visiting towns and cities all across the state on my Make Stuff Cost Less Tour…
To a great Make Stuff Cost Less rally in Durham…
And to an outstanding Canes Stanley Cup win…
I’ve spent the last year talking with folks all across the state, visiting communities large and small and hearing from hardworking North Carolinians about what actually matters to them.
From Brasstown to Leland, North Carolinians have proven time and again their passion and resilience.
And since our launch, we’ve knocked more than 154,000 doors across the state and recruited more than 14,800 volunteers.
We have grown a grassroots movement focused on the needs of all North Carolinians. But the race is only going to get tougher as we head towards Election Day.
I am so fortunate to have an amazing group of people standing beside me, fighting for the future of North Carolina. Every time someone spends part of their Saturday knocking on doors, making calls, sending postcards or pitches in a few dollars, they are doing it because they believe that a better, stronger North Carolina and country are possible.
That promise keeps us going. I still believe our best days are ahead of us. And I believe you do too.
I can’t wait to see you on the road.
Roy,
I attended UNC Chapel Hill in 65-69. I come from California political family. I have a few suggestions that could help as I have been inundated over the years with campaign data that becomes a bit of a blur over time. Never once in all my years has any candidate for any office at any level ever asked for input without asking for money. It is always a repetitive hammering with the implicit message that the candidate is selling a product with no real concern for what individuals who the polls miss, who might have a good idea or two. It is pretty clear that even the candidates with whom I agree have no idea and are stuck in dominant narratives about how to run for office that don't seem to work that well. Why not try sending a message or two saying. "I am not in this message going to ask you for money. This is a request for the currency of your ideas and thoughts about what matters to you and how we can improve the process of getting elected." Then add a few talking points that do not include what you know you can't deliver. Over promising makes constituents cynical. You will find out who is motivated to respond, who might have ideas you have not thought of and begin build a relationship that can turn into financial support. I am not positive this will work but I have never seen it tried. Wishing you all the best in your campaign. Ward
We so need leaders like you in the Senate!!! I am from Maryland but have been supporting you. Thank you for running. Voters must recognize how much we need leaders like you.