Wiley Nickel Wins Wake DA Race, Promises Corruption Fight

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to Durham News Today. Former Congressman Wiley Nickel won the Democratic primary for Wake County District Attorney on Tuesday. He beat two opponents handily thanks to his high-name recognition. With no Republican running in the fall, Nickel will become the county's top prosecutor in January 2026. Nickel last stepped into a courtroom in 2022 while campaigning for Congress. He won that race, sold his Kerry law firm, and served two years in Washington before redistricting ended his term. Now he's returning to lead one of North Carolina's busiest prosecutorial offices, which handles thousands of cases a year. Voters clearly back Nickel's vision for safer communities and stronger accountability over the usual tough-on-crime pitches. His background as a state senator and congressman helped him stand out in the three-way race. One big focus will be boosting investigations into political corruption right here in Raleigh, home to state government.

1:00Nickel plans to dig deeper than before, chasing evidence across party lines no matter who it implicates. He also aims to challenge federal immigration sweeps. He calls political stunts that skip serious criminals. Plus, Nickel wants to double his office's prosecutors by lobbying local leaders and businesses for more funding during his transition period. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. Sully Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I-SullyPillow.com