We're doing some new things on our opinion pages in 2026
We’re excited to introduce some new opinion content – and new places to find it – in 2026.
2026 Election
It’s another consequential election year, and North Carolina voters will have impactful decisions to make in local, state and national races. The state’s new Congressional map, along with an open U.S. Senate seat, could help tilt the balance of power in Congress. State House and Senate seats are also up for reelection, with Democrats hoping that dissatisfaction with Donald Trump can help them make more of a dent in Republican majorities.
To meet the moment, deputy opinion editor Paige Masten will be focusing on politics and elections in 2026 with smart analysis, strong opinion and breaking news. Voices from the right also will play an important part of our opinion coverage, including thoughtful NC conservative Andrew Dunn, GOP consultant Matt Wiley, and national columnist David Mastio. As we do each year, we’ll be making endorsements in primary and general elections in Charlotte and Raleigh.
Look for a new regular feature, too: Paige and Andrew will be discussing politics and North Carolina issues from their progressive and conservative perspectives.
Our Take
The opinion team also will be providing more urgent opinion pieces on news and topics our communities are buzzing about in Charlotte and the Triangle. In addition to our regular editorials and columns, Our Take will offer quicker, often shorter posts from Ned Barnett in Raleigh and Peter St. Onge in Charlotte. We welcome your take, too, and we’re pursuing new ways to include those voices on our pages.
New voices
Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome a new contributing columnist in Charlotte. Jen McGivney, who wrote the back page column each month for Charlotte mag, will bring the same powerful storytelling and thoughtful voice to our pages beginning later this month. Jen joins a roster of regular contributors, including pastor Kate Murphy in Charlotte and longtime columnist Gene Nichol in Chapel Hill. We’re looking for more voices, too, especially in the Triangle. If you’d like to contribute, let me know at pstonge@charlotteobserver.com.
You can find all of our content online in Charlotte and Raleigh, and we bring you highlights each Thursday afternoon in our popular NC Opinions newsletter. We’re adding a second day of NC Opinions, with a focus on politics, in the next month. Sign up for the newsletter here, and as always, let me know how we’re doing.
Peter St. Onge is North Carolina Opinion editor for the Charlotte Observer, News & Observer of Raleigh and Durham Herald-Sun.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "We're doing some new things on our opinion pages in 2026."
