Benjamin Schachtman
News DirectorBen Schachtman is a journalist and editor with a focus on local government accountability. He began reporting for Port City Daily in the Wilmington area in 2016 and took over as managing editor there in 2018. He’s a graduate of Rutgers College and later received his MA from NYU and his PhD from SUNY-Stony Brook, both in English Literature. He loves spending time with his wife and playing rock'n'roll very loudly. You can reach him at BSchachtman@whqr.org and find him on Twitter @Ben_Schachtman.
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While the costly and contentious fight for State Senate District 7 was far and away the most expensive race, several other campaigns racked up six-figure fundraising and spending totals. Based on the latest available campaign finance reports, we dug into Q3 and overall financial details. -
While Republicans held General Assembly seats in Pender and Brunswick counties, Democrats saw a surprising victory in New Hanover County — and one narrow win that could still theoretically be overturned or see a recount. -
On Wednesday, NCDOT opened a month-long public comment period on a modified version of a Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement, which officials say addresses many of the public concerns they’ve heard. But, at least right now, NCDOT isn’t considering options that would require new action by federal stakeholders. -
Preliminary results for the 2026 general election, including federal, state, and county-level races around the Cape Fear region. Democrats had a strong showing in New Hanover County, sweeping the school board and commissioners races and flipping a State Senate seat; Republicans won throughout Brunswick County and were poised to win in Pender County. Several races could be close enough for recounts. -
While early voting in New Hanover County broke records, Election Day turnout was more modest, according to electioneers at sites around the county. WHQR’s Ben Schachtman visited polls to talk to voters. -
This week, the DOJ announced federal charges against three noncitizen voters from New Hanover County, part of a nationwide crackdown. In bombastic language, U.S. Attorneys have touted the importance of the work — but there’s sometimes less enthusiasm for other aspects of our elections.
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Recorded live at Leland Town Hall on October 14, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the three Democrats, one Republican, and one Libertarian running for state House and Senate seats representing parts of Brunswick and New Hanover County. -
Many readers and listeners have raised concerns about federal agents being present at the polls during the election, given comments from the Trump Administration and its supporters. Local officials said they have plans in place if that happens.
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Recorded live at Leland Town Hall on Oct. 14, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to two candidates running for the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners.
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Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the Democratic and Libertarian challengers running against longtime Republican incumbent David Rouzer, who did not attend.
