The Caucus: Redistricting Returns

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Virginia Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears and her conservative allies have gone all in on anti-trans messaging, launching more frequent attacks—and taking those attacks further—than Donald Trump’s campaign did in 2024.

It won’t be a one-off escalation.

The increased focus on transgender issues is a preview of the Republican Party’s message in the 2026 midterm election—including in North Carolina’s high-profile Senate race, according to political strategists in both parties. 

“The way the battleground is shaping up, and who the leading Democrats are on their side, this is 100 percent going to be part of the conversation nationally,” said one GOP strategist working on 2026 races, granted anonymity to speak candidly.

Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis scoffed at the idea that Republicans should focus on trans issues, particularly in his state. Asked if trans policies were top of mind for voters, Tillis told our partners at NOTUS, “No, I don’t think it is.”

“I tell everybody, go back to the tried and true ways of winning elections: It’s about the economy,” the senator said.

—Alex Roarty and Oriana González

Thanks for reading The Caucus, a politics newsletter anchored by Bryan Anderson. Reach us with tips or ideas at politics@theassemblync.com.

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The Forever War Against PFAS

Emily Donovan stood before 100 people in the pews at Ocean View United Methodist Church in a small seaside town in Brunswick County. It was May, the start of beach season. She had invited a scientist to speak about the astronomical levels of PFAS—nicknamed “forever chemicals”—that had been detected in sea foam four miles away.

But before she began her presentation, Donovan, a co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, had to deliver some bad news. That morning, Lee Zeldin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator appointed by President Trump, had announced his intention to rescind drinking water regulations for several types of PFAS compounds. 

The rollbacks included GenX, one of dozens within a family of chemicals that have contaminated the region’s drinking water and have been linked to disorders of the liver, kidneys and the immune system, as well as low birth weight and cancer.

— Lisa Sorg

Brockman Appears in Court

As we wrote last week, state Rep. Cecil Brockman is facing bipartisan calls for his resignation after being charged with two counts each of indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape. 

Brockman was held without bail in the High Point jail, our colleagues at The Thread report. On Friday afternoon, he made his first appearance in a Guilford County court, appearing remotely from a local hospital where he was taken after an unspecified “medical emergency” postponed a scheduled Thursday hearing.

The judge set bail at $1,050,000. Brockman initially filed an affidavit of indigency, indicating he could not afford an attorney and would need to have one appointed. On Friday, he said he would be hiring his own attorney. If released on bond, Brockman would not be able to leave the state or contact the alleged victim.

— Joe Killian

Around the State: Trump raised $8 million for Helene survivors. Where did it all go? (BPR). As vouchers near 100,000, first evidence of churn can be seen (EdNC). After careers spent serving NC, retirees face stagnant pensions amid inflation (The News & Observer).

Let us know what’s on your radar at politics@theassemblync.com.