This week, Tom dissects the results of this year’s special elections, which bode well for Democrats in 2026. Democrats have been consistently outperforming their 2024 results by about 15 points this year; that’s usually held up for the midterm in past election cycles, and if that happens again this time around, Democrats are poised for a big year in 2026 – including here in North Carolina, where a 15-point swing would even give the Democrats an outside shot at regaining control of the State House, despite heavy partisan gerrymandering. (Also, Tom and Aaron briefly discuss whether Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the political discourse surrounding it have had any impact on American public opinion: Tom says it doesn’t seem to have changed anyone’s mind, but it could make some Americans more energized about participating and voting.)
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.
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