Graphic by Jamari Murphy
Every four years adults vote to put people in power, and November’s results for the Presidential and state-level elections are a big deal. The results leave our community with a lot of “what ifs.”
What if Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promises?
Trump got less than 19% of the vote in Durham County, but narrowly won North Carolina and the overall election by a wide margin. Education was never a main focus during Trump’s first presidential term. He said he would get rid of the Department of Education as well as Common Core. The Department of Ed is still here, and Common Core, which is an Obama-era set of national learning standards designed to ensure all kids receive a quality education, is still in place, albeit with a different name, in North Carolina and many other states.
Trump wanted to give the states total control over education and expand school choice, which North Carolina’s state leaders have done during the past ten years, regardless of who was president.
As for his new agenda, his promises include mass deportations, dismantling “deep state” agencies, creating new tariffs, negotiating peace in Ukraine and Gaza, implementing new health policies, and pardoning capitol riot participants.
Many of these would require congressional support. Republicans control both the House and Senate, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be able to do everything he wants. Part of Project 2025, which is a set of policy recommendations created by a conservative think tank called The Heritage Foundation, includes strengthening executive power and expanding presidential authority to bypass Congress. This would raise many constitutional concerns from both parties. However, If this does happen, it would be much easier for him to implement his other campaign promises. Trump distanced himself from Project 2025 during the campaign, but he just appointed one of its creators, Russel Vought, into the office of management and budget.
What if Mo Green didn’t win?
As NC superintendent, Green wants to help support traditional public schools and provide an equal education for all children in NC. He narrowly defeated Michele Morrow, who vowed to defund public schools and send more taxpayer money to private schools.
What if Josh Stein couldn’t veto? Newly elected governor Josh Stein, who handily beat Mark Robinson, is focused on giving power, resources, and opportunities to the communities of North Carolina. Stein’s priorities include affordable housing, accessible healthcare, investing in public education and protecting rights of North Carolinians. Stein also obtained veto power thanks to key election wins by Democrats in the state house and senate. This is a big deal because Roy Cooper does not currently have veto power because the Republicans have a supermajority. Having veto power means Stein has final say when passing or halting new legislation.
What if we don’t pay attention?
As we navigate our leaders’ new terms, it is more important than ever to stay engaged. Each of us will continue to be impacted by our representatives’ choices and elections. Follow the local, state and national news. Listen to podcasts, engage on social media and expand your worldview. Stay educated on what different policies, legislation, and political figures mean for you, your family, friends, and community.
Almost all Riverside students will be eligible to vote in the next presidential election. Learn how to register, research the different candidates, and be ready to do your part in 2028.
