Chris Cooper
@chriscooperwcu.bsky.social
Professor of Political Science & Public Affairs at Western Carolina University. American politics, state politics, North Carolina politics, southern politics, elections. Recent book: Anatomy of a Purple State (UNC Press 2024).
http://www.chriscooperwcu.com
http://www.chriscooperwcu.com
Reposted by Chris Cooper
BREAKING: Federal judges are allowing North Carolina to use a new congressional map that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in the 2026 midterm election
www.courtlistener.com/docket/68059...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/68059...
Memorandum Opinion and Order – #216 in WILLIAMS v. HALL (M.D.N.C., 1:23-cv-01057) – CourtListener.com
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER signed by CIRCUIT JUDGE ALLISON J. RUSHING, CHIEF DISTRICT JUDGE RICHARD E. MYERS, II, AND JUDGE THOMAS D. SCHROEDER on 11/26/2025; that NAACP Plaintiffs' motion for a pre...
www.courtlistener.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:27 PM
BREAKING: Federal judges are allowing North Carolina to use a new congressional map that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in the 2026 midterm election
www.courtlistener.com/docket/68059...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/68059...
There’s been a raft of scooter thefts on campus.
That’s not good.
But, I do wish the subject lines of the campus emails warning us about said scooter thefts didn’t say “motor vehicle theft” as if there’s a real life Vin Diesel running a stolen car ring in Cullowhee.
That’s not good.
But, I do wish the subject lines of the campus emails warning us about said scooter thefts didn’t say “motor vehicle theft” as if there’s a real life Vin Diesel running a stolen car ring in Cullowhee.
November 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
There’s been a raft of scooter thefts on campus.
That’s not good.
But, I do wish the subject lines of the campus emails warning us about said scooter thefts didn’t say “motor vehicle theft” as if there’s a real life Vin Diesel running a stolen car ring in Cullowhee.
That’s not good.
But, I do wish the subject lines of the campus emails warning us about said scooter thefts didn’t say “motor vehicle theft” as if there’s a real life Vin Diesel running a stolen car ring in Cullowhee.
Fascinating article by Seth McKee, Dan Smith & Olivia Zhang showing that in-migrants to FL increasingly register as Republicans upon their arrival in the ☀️ State
The trend is uniform regardless of whether the in-migrants come from blue or red states
academic.oup.com/psq/advance-...
The trend is uniform regardless of whether the in-migrants come from blue or red states
academic.oup.com/psq/advance-...
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Fascinating article by Seth McKee, Dan Smith & Olivia Zhang showing that in-migrants to FL increasingly register as Republicans upon their arrival in the ☀️ State
The trend is uniform regardless of whether the in-migrants come from blue or red states
academic.oup.com/psq/advance-...
The trend is uniform regardless of whether the in-migrants come from blue or red states
academic.oup.com/psq/advance-...
Having a hard time keeping up w/ the redistricting news from last week? I was, too.
So, I did what I do when I can't quite get my thoughts organized--I wrote.
Here's some takeaways from TX, NC, & a few other items:
open.substack.com/pub/chriscoo...
So, I did what I do when I can't quite get my thoughts organized--I wrote.
Here's some takeaways from TX, NC, & a few other items:
open.substack.com/pub/chriscoo...
Last Week in Redistricting
Last week was a doozy of a week in redistricting news. Here's a quick rundown of the highlights.
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Having a hard time keeping up w/ the redistricting news from last week? I was, too.
So, I did what I do when I can't quite get my thoughts organized--I wrote.
Here's some takeaways from TX, NC, & a few other items:
open.substack.com/pub/chriscoo...
So, I did what I do when I can't quite get my thoughts organized--I wrote.
Here's some takeaways from TX, NC, & a few other items:
open.substack.com/pub/chriscoo...
Another day, another candidate filed w/ the FEC for #nc11
acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...
1/3 🤏🧵
#ncpol
acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...
1/3 🤏🧵
#ncpol
November 22, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Another day, another candidate filed w/ the FEC for #nc11
acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...
1/3 🤏🧵
#ncpol
acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:...
1/3 🤏🧵
#ncpol
Cooley: “we only call him the new guy when it’s convenient.”
Isbell: “You want grow up and paint houses like me, trailer in my yard till you’re 23. You want to feel old after 42 years, keep dropping the hammer and grinding the gears.”
This DBT Decoration Day time capsule is worth every penny.
Isbell: “You want grow up and paint houses like me, trailer in my yard till you’re 23. You want to feel old after 42 years, keep dropping the hammer and grinding the gears.”
This DBT Decoration Day time capsule is worth every penny.
November 22, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Cooley: “we only call him the new guy when it’s convenient.”
Isbell: “You want grow up and paint houses like me, trailer in my yard till you’re 23. You want to feel old after 42 years, keep dropping the hammer and grinding the gears.”
This DBT Decoration Day time capsule is worth every penny.
Isbell: “You want grow up and paint houses like me, trailer in my yard till you’re 23. You want to feel old after 42 years, keep dropping the hammer and grinding the gears.”
This DBT Decoration Day time capsule is worth every penny.
Reposted by Chris Cooper
BREAKING: Justice Alito has temporarily blocked the Texas redistricting court's order, effectively restoring the newly drawn map, while the Supreme Court considers the petition. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
November 22, 2025 at 12:48 AM
BREAKING: Justice Alito has temporarily blocked the Texas redistricting court's order, effectively restoring the newly drawn map, while the Supreme Court considers the petition. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
We’ve now reached the “bald eagles dropping cats onto cars” portion of the apocalypse.
November 20, 2025 at 2:24 AM
We’ve now reached the “bald eagles dropping cats onto cars” portion of the apocalypse.
Reposted by Chris Cooper
Judges pressed attorneys for advocacy groups about their novel legal theory that alleges retaliation against voters.
Federal judges appear skeptical of challenge to NC’s new congressional map
Judges pressed attorneys for advocacy groups about their novel legal theory that alleges retaliation against voters.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Judges pressed attorneys for advocacy groups about their novel legal theory that alleges retaliation against voters.
Reposted by Chris Cooper
If this reporting is right, it looks like that while Utah lawmakers are going to appeal rulings adopting a court-drawn congressional map, they aren’t going to try to change the map for the 2026 midterms.
kutv.com/news/local/u...
kutv.com/news/local/u...
Utah House Speaker says judge's timing 'tied our hands' on appeal of redistricting ruling
A week after a 3rd District Court ruling threw Utah’s congressional boundaries into turmoil, the rapid legal battle many expected has yet to materialize.The Hin
kutv.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:41 AM
If this reporting is right, it looks like that while Utah lawmakers are going to appeal rulings adopting a court-drawn congressional map, they aren’t going to try to change the map for the 2026 midterms.
kutv.com/news/local/u...
kutv.com/news/local/u...
Reposted by Chris Cooper
Evidence of racial polarization in Georgia last week. In one race, a White D ran against a Black R; the inverse was true in the other. So, where did the White D over-perform the Black D? In whiter areas.
November 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Evidence of racial polarization in Georgia last week. In one race, a White D ran against a Black R; the inverse was true in the other. So, where did the White D over-perform the Black D? In whiter areas.
In a 2-1 decision (w/ a Trump-appointed judge part of the 2), a federal court blocked TX from using its new congressional map, which would have shifted 5 seats to be more Rep & reduced minority voting power
Here's the TL;DR description of the decision (copied from the order itself) ⤵️
1/5🧵
Here's the TL;DR description of the decision (copied from the order itself) ⤵️
1/5🧵
November 18, 2025 at 8:07 PM
In a 2-1 decision (w/ a Trump-appointed judge part of the 2), a federal court blocked TX from using its new congressional map, which would have shifted 5 seats to be more Rep & reduced minority voting power
Here's the TL;DR description of the decision (copied from the order itself) ⤵️
1/5🧵
Here's the TL;DR description of the decision (copied from the order itself) ⤵️
1/5🧵
Loving the tributes to Todd Snider.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned enough, though, was his work ethic.
Seems odd for a guy who lived life as a tipsy gypsy, but his genius didn't just happen.
Even Todd Snider had to sit his ass in a chair and write. Every day.
(1/2)
One thing I haven't seen mentioned enough, though, was his work ethic.
Seems odd for a guy who lived life as a tipsy gypsy, but his genius didn't just happen.
Even Todd Snider had to sit his ass in a chair and write. Every day.
(1/2)
November 17, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Loving the tributes to Todd Snider.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned enough, though, was his work ethic.
Seems odd for a guy who lived life as a tipsy gypsy, but his genius didn't just happen.
Even Todd Snider had to sit his ass in a chair and write. Every day.
(1/2)
One thing I haven't seen mentioned enough, though, was his work ethic.
Seems odd for a guy who lived life as a tipsy gypsy, but his genius didn't just happen.
Even Todd Snider had to sit his ass in a chair and write. Every day.
(1/2)
Slam-dunk assignment for state & local politics class: have the students read through a state's lobbying directory and identify the funniest, best, and scariest principals
They are consistently surprised at the variety of groups who lobby and I am consistently laughing at the weird groups they find
They are consistently surprised at the variety of groups who lobby and I am consistently laughing at the weird groups they find
November 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Slam-dunk assignment for state & local politics class: have the students read through a state's lobbying directory and identify the funniest, best, and scariest principals
They are consistently surprised at the variety of groups who lobby and I am consistently laughing at the weird groups they find
They are consistently surprised at the variety of groups who lobby and I am consistently laughing at the weird groups they find
Rest easy, Todd Snider.
November 15, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Rest easy, Todd Snider.
The most amazing thing about this Olivia Nuzzi story isn’t that she had a digital affair with a presidential candidate almost 40 years her senior, but rather that she claims to have written a book on her phone while hiking.
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The most amazing thing about this Olivia Nuzzi story isn’t that she had a digital affair with a presidential candidate almost 40 years her senior, but rather that she claims to have written a book on her phone while hiking.
Re-upping for the AM crowd--some reflections on the 2025 elections in #ncpol & elsewhere, along with some links to new polling & Utah redistricting.
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
Looking Back at the Nov. 2025 Elections
(& A Few Other Things)
chriscooperwcu.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Re-upping for the AM crowd--some reflections on the 2025 elections in #ncpol & elsewhere, along with some links to new polling & Utah redistricting.
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
What a great event (& I'd say that even if they hadn't bought me a beer).
@nclocal.bsky.social is doing important work & Lilly Knoepp is the perfect hire.
If you're interested in local news, #ncpol, or how we can supply better information in state & local politics, they're a must follow.
@nclocal.bsky.social is doing important work & Lilly Knoepp is the perfect hire.
If you're interested in local news, #ncpol, or how we can supply better information in state & local politics, they're a must follow.
We're hosting two great (free!) events next week in Western North Carolina as we connect with the community & welcome NC Local's Senior Reporter, Lilly Knoepp.
🍻Launch Event: The Trailhead
📍The Lazy Hiker (Sylva)
🗓️Nov. 13, 5 to 7
🎟️Free (first round on us!)
👉 www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-locals-...?
🍻Launch Event: The Trailhead
📍The Lazy Hiker (Sylva)
🗓️Nov. 13, 5 to 7
🎟️Free (first round on us!)
👉 www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-locals-...?
NC Local’s Lilly Knoepp Welcome Reception
Join us to meet Lilly Knoepp, NC Local’s newest journalist, and learn more about the work of NC Local in WNC.
www.eventbrite.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:53 AM
What a great event (& I'd say that even if they hadn't bought me a beer).
@nclocal.bsky.social is doing important work & Lilly Knoepp is the perfect hire.
If you're interested in local news, #ncpol, or how we can supply better information in state & local politics, they're a must follow.
@nclocal.bsky.social is doing important work & Lilly Knoepp is the perfect hire.
If you're interested in local news, #ncpol, or how we can supply better information in state & local politics, they're a must follow.
Jotted dow some notes about the 2025 elections--in #ncpol & elsewhere--along with a few other things:
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
Looking Back at the Nov. 2025 Elections
(& A Few Other Things)
chriscooperwcu.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Jotted dow some notes about the 2025 elections--in #ncpol & elsewhere--along with a few other things:
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
chriscooperwcu.substack.com/p/looking-ba...
Ah but they've never seen the Northern Lights
They've never seen a hawk on the wing
They've never spent spring on the Great Divide
And they've never heard ole' camp cookie sing
They've never seen a hawk on the wing
They've never spent spring on the Great Divide
And they've never heard ole' camp cookie sing
November 12, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Ah but they've never seen the Northern Lights
They've never seen a hawk on the wing
They've never spent spring on the Great Divide
And they've never heard ole' camp cookie sing
They've never seen a hawk on the wing
They've never spent spring on the Great Divide
And they've never heard ole' camp cookie sing
Agree that these are important and sobering findings for Political Scientists who aspire to a job at 1 of 122 PhD granting political science departments.
This does *not*, however, mean that you won't get a good job if you don't go to a "top 20" program.
(1/3)
This does *not*, however, mean that you won't get a good job if you don't go to a "top 20" program.
(1/3)
Important—and sobering—findings about the state of the discipline and the academy.
November 11, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Agree that these are important and sobering findings for Political Scientists who aspire to a job at 1 of 122 PhD granting political science departments.
This does *not*, however, mean that you won't get a good job if you don't go to a "top 20" program.
(1/3)
This does *not*, however, mean that you won't get a good job if you don't go to a "top 20" program.
(1/3)
Trump pardons NC’s Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell in fake electorate scheme #ncpol
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Trump pardons NC’s Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell in fake electorate scheme
President Donald Trump is set to pardon North Carolina’s Mark Meadows and Sidney Powell in a scheme to overturn the election of President Joe Biden.
www.newsobserver.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Charlotte Magazine announced it was closing its doors this week
3 of my favorite writers penned must-read obituaries for the magazine that was. All are nominally about the institution, but they're really about people, about creativity & about how the former gave space for the latter to thrive
(1/5)
3 of my favorite writers penned must-read obituaries for the magazine that was. All are nominally about the institution, but they're really about people, about creativity & about how the former gave space for the latter to thrive
(1/5)
November 10, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Charlotte Magazine announced it was closing its doors this week
3 of my favorite writers penned must-read obituaries for the magazine that was. All are nominally about the institution, but they're really about people, about creativity & about how the former gave space for the latter to thrive
(1/5)
3 of my favorite writers penned must-read obituaries for the magazine that was. All are nominally about the institution, but they're really about people, about creativity & about how the former gave space for the latter to thrive
(1/5)
November 10, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Updated the close elections graph to include last week's 2025 elections 👀 ⬇️.
Last Tuesday, 60 #ncpol elections were decided by 5 or fewer votes, including 4 council seats in Jefferson, Brookford, Calypso & Murfresboro that (before canvass) were tied.
(🧵 1/3)
Last Tuesday, 60 #ncpol elections were decided by 5 or fewer votes, including 4 council seats in Jefferson, Brookford, Calypso & Murfresboro that (before canvass) were tied.
(🧵 1/3)
November 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Updated the close elections graph to include last week's 2025 elections 👀 ⬇️.
Last Tuesday, 60 #ncpol elections were decided by 5 or fewer votes, including 4 council seats in Jefferson, Brookford, Calypso & Murfresboro that (before canvass) were tied.
(🧵 1/3)
Last Tuesday, 60 #ncpol elections were decided by 5 or fewer votes, including 4 council seats in Jefferson, Brookford, Calypso & Murfresboro that (before canvass) were tied.
(🧵 1/3)