This week, Tom and Aaron discuss a new PPP survey of North Carolinians that shows a tight race to replace Thom Tillis in the U.S. Senate. Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley 48-44, but that lead is largely a function of Cooper’s higher name recognition; most remaining undecideds are GOP-leaning voters, so Whatley still has a path to victory. The same is also true in the race for State Supreme Court, where Democratic incumbent Anita Earls narrowly leads Republican challenger Sarah Stevens 44-42. (Democrats do have a 46-44 edge in the generic legislative ballot, which gives them an opportunity to make big gains in the North Carolina General Assembly.)

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live.
Every other Monday, Aaron is joined at 8:30 a.m. by Tom Jensen, the director of Public Policy Polling, for a longstanding regular segment called “What We’re Thinking,” looking at recent survey numbers and discussing what they tell us about American public opinion – election-related and otherwise.
You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹
![]()
The Morning News: Faith Hedgepeth Trial, Early Voting, UNC FootballIn today's news: more DNA evidence in the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial, and extremely high turnout on the first day of early voting.
![]()
The Morning News: Early Voting, Hedgepeth Trial, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Police Merger?In today's news: early voting begins, the Faith Hedgepeth murder trial continues, and Chapel Hill and Carrboro weigh merging their police.
![]()
The Morning News: Election Approaching, Stolen Car Crashing - New Cradle Opening?Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway for the 2026 election - including a concert at the site Cat's Cradle is developing as a third venue.
![]()
The Morning News: Budgets, Data Centers, Juries, Candidates, and Michael JordanIn today's news: Orange County officials list a string of budget pressures, while county staff consider regulating data centers.
![]()
What We're Thinking: A Democratic Senate Takeover? Maybe, Maybe NotLess than a month from the 2026 election, Tom and Aaron break down the Democrats' chances of retaking control of the U.S. Senate.
![]()
On Air Today: Justice Anita Earls on the NC Supreme CourtState Supreme Court justice Anita Earls discusses the North Carolina Supreme Court, the role of the judiciary, and why it's important to vote.
![]()
The Morning News: UNC Football, Chapel Hill Shooting, Hedgepeth Jury SelectionIn today's news: Chapel Hill police make an arrest in Friday's shooting, and UNC football falls to Notre Dame.
![]()
What We're Thinking: Gas Prices and Blue WavesA month and a half from the 2026 midterm, Tom's seeing signs of a major Democratic wave election. (Why? Gas prices.)
![]()
The Morning News: VinFast, Binkley Baptist, UNC BasketballIn today's news: local officials take action against the EV maker VinFast, and UNC men's basketball adds a preseason exhibition against USC.
![]()
What We're Thinking: Get Enthusiastic!This week, Tom and Aaron discuss the enthusiasm gap: the extent to which one side may be more excited about voting than the other.
›