Overall, an endorsement from SEANC and its political arm, EMPAC, proved to be beneficial for many lawmakers facing primary challenges on March 15. All but three candidates endorsed by EMPAC will move on to races in November after securing their party’s nomination.

In statewide races, EMPAC won one and lost one. Linda Coleman, SEANC’s champion for many years at the legislature and in the Office of State Personnel, won a convincing victory over Holly Jones and others to secure the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor.

If you’ll recall, Coleman came up short in arguably the state’s closest election in 2012, losing to Lt. Gov. Dan Forest by fewer than 7,000 votes. The political climate in 2016 is far different than in 2012, which could put Coleman over the top if state employees turn out in November for her.

In the race for the Democratic nominee for state Treasurer, Ron Elmer came up short against the establishment candidate Dan Blue III, who had the support of the current Treasurer. Elmer spoke out against Wall Street’s pillaging of the state retirement fund, and made management of the system the main debate of the campaign.

All but three of the EMPAC-endorsed candidates for primary nominations for the General Assembly won on March 15.

Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake), SEANC’s 2015 Legislator of the Year, faced harsh criticism from his opponent and big-time donors in his own party for his steadfast support of state employees. He won his race convincingly as well, proving that support of public services can be a bipartisan stance.

SEANC’s Board of Governors voted unanimously in late February to endorse passage of the $2 billion ConnectNC bond package that will mean investment in public facilities and resources throughout the state.
With bipartisan support, the bond package passed with ease on March 15 as well.

A total of 76 counties will see investment from this package, which includes improvements at all 16 UNC System campuses and all 58 community colleges as well as updates to agricultural resources, state parks and attractions, and water and sewer infrastructure.