With candidate filing for the 2026 elections just weeks away, Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins us to unpack the newly updated Civitas Partisan Index — a key measure of how North Carolina’s legislative and congressional districts lean politically.

Andy explains how the CPI works, what makes a district “toss-up,” “lean,” “likely,” or “safe,” and what the numbers suggest about which party could hold power after 2026. We talk about past election surprises, how candidate quality and wave elections can flip districts, and why 2026 could be a bumpy ride for #NCPOL with Republicans on defense and Democrats seeing opportunity.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down a busy week in North Carolina politics — from Governor Stein calling for a special session, to Republican legislators visiting the White House, to new polls, political rumors, and more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.