Trump Visits North Carolina Amid Economic Messaging and Redistricting Focus

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Friday. This visit concludes a week where his administration has aimed to affirm economic improvements in the United States.

Economic Messaging and Public Opinion

Earlier in the week, Trump delivered an address attributing current economic challenges to policies of the previous administration led by former Democratic President Joe Biden. He has previously conveyed similar messages in states such as Pennsylvania, asserting his efforts to initiate an economic turnaround.

Recent polling data indicates variations in public approval of Trump's economic policies:

• A NPR/PBS News/Marist poll recorded 36% approval for Trump's handling of the economy, representing the lowest rating since the poll began asking the question six years prior.
• Other recent polls suggest a decrease in Trump's popularity among voters in North Carolina, a state he won in the past three presidential elections.
• A late November poll by High Point University found approximately 60% of North Carolina voters surveyed disapproved of Trump's approach to inflation, while 52% disapproved of his tariff policies.

Local residents shared perspectives on economic conditions. Ronnie Peede, an HVAC technician and past Trump voter, stated his view that Trump prioritizes employment and reduced government assistance. Peede also observed initial price increases in HVAC services following the implementation of tariffs, which he believes have since stabilized or decreased. Jonathan Sutton, a Democratic barbershop owner, reported higher prices for clippers and blades imported from Europe, attributing this to tariffs. Sutton expressed the opinion that price increases are a general trend rather than solely attributable to the president. Sutton also characterized Trump's communication style as "insensitive," referencing specific remarks about a Hollywood director and comments regarding Somali immigrants.

Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections

Trump's visit occurs in a congressional district recently redrawn by state Republicans, a move intended to enhance their prospects of retaining congressional control. North Carolina is considered a swing state.

The visit coincides with the closure of the filing period for the 2026 elections in the state, which are anticipated to feature competitive races for both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. North Carolina is projected to host one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races, characterized by a near-even split in Democratic and Republican voter registrations.

Regarding the U.S. Senate race:

• Former two-term Governor Roy Cooper is expected to secure the Democratic nomination.
• In the Republican primary, Trump has endorsed Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chairman. Other candidates include former U.S. Navy JAG officer Don Brown and former state superintendent candidate Michele Morrow.

Congressional Redistricting

North Carolina was the first swing state to implement new congressional districts ahead of next year's midterm elections. Rocky Mount is the largest city within the state's 1st congressional district. Republicans redrew this district, along with the adjacent 3rd congressional district, to improve the likelihood of House GOP candidates winning both seats. This involved reassigning 10 counties between the 1st and 3rd districts to increase the proportion of voters with a history of supporting Republican candidates in the 1st district, based on 2024 presidential election results.

The 1st congressional district has been represented by a Black Democrat since 1992, with U.S. Rep. Don Davis currently holding the seat. Eva Clayton's victory in 1992 marked the first time North Carolina elected a Black person to Congress since Reconstruction.

Challenges to the new maps by voting rights groups cited concerns about the dilution of Black voter influence. However, a panel of three federal judges ruled that the maps were designed to reduce the power of Democratic voters. North Carolina courts and the U.S. Supreme Court have previously ruled against overturning maps based on partisan gerrymandering.

As of Thursday evening, four Republicans have filed to run in the 23-county 1st district. Trump has not yet issued an endorsement in this primary, although several GOP candidates have publicly aligned themselves with the former president. Ronnie Peede, an unaffiliated voter who typically participates in Republican primaries, indicated he would consider a Trump endorsement but would also independently evaluate candidates.