Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
Helene recovery weighs on competitive North Carolina midterm races
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina two years ago, but many residents are still rebuilding.
The storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and recovery needs, while the state estimates about $41 billion in needs remain unmet after aid, state funding and insurance.
Hundreds of households still lack private bridges, and some residents are frustrated with the pace of a state recovery program.
A poll found that half of North Carolinians were dissatisfied with the government’s response, rising to 95 percent who were not very satisfied in western North Carolina.
The recovery is unfolding alongside close midterm contests, including a toss-up race for the 11th Congressional District, which includes much of the hardest-hit area.
Democrat Roy Cooper, the governor when Helene hit, leads Republican Michael Whatley by double digits in the Senate race, according to the account.
It remains unclear whether voters will make the response a deciding issue; some say the storm has shaped their views on climate change, while the election’s outcome is still ahead.
Recovery from Hurricane Helene remains incomplete two years after the storm, weighing on competitive North Carolina midterm races.
The storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and recovery needs, while the state estimates about $41 billion in unmet needs.
Half of North Carolinians polled were dissatisfied with the government’s response, compared with 37 percent who were satisfied.
Republican Jennifer Balkcom and Democrat Jamie Ager are running neck and neck in the toss-up 11th Congressional District race.
Democrat Roy Cooper has maintained a double-digit lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the state’s Senate race.
- Who
- North Carolina voters and candidates in the 11th Congressional District and Senate races.
- What
- The state’s unfinished recovery from Hurricane Helene is weighing on competitive midterm races.
- When
- The midterms are in 2026, two years after Hurricane Helene.
- Where
- North Carolina, particularly Western North Carolina and the 11th Congressional District.
- Why
- Recovery remains incomplete, and many residents are dissatisfied with the government’s response.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, causing nearly $60 billion in damage and recovery needs.
Voters cast early ballots at the Haywood County Public Library in Canton as recovery from Helene remained incomplete.
About $10 billion in federal assistance had been provided, while North Carolina estimated roughly $41 billion in unmet recovery needs.
- Helene damage and recovery needs
- Nearly $60 billion
- Federal assistance provided
- About $10 billion
- Estimated unmet need
- Roughly $41 billion
- Poll on government response
- 50 percent dissatisfied; 37 percent satisfied
- 11th Congressional District
- Jennifer Balkcom and Jamie Ager; race considered a toss-up
- Senate race
- Roy Cooper led Michael Whatley by double digits
2 sources
What people are saying
Well, we’re not weather people,
but these floods that keep coming. They’re supposed to be 500 year floods. You’re like, ‘What is going on?’
I hate to sound totally partisan, but I know that there’s one party that’s trying to do something about climate change, and there’s one party that is denying it,