Episode 3 - Wilmington Elections
October 16, 2025
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Buzzsprout
In this special episode of the Three Guys Podcast, hosts Reuel Sample, Nick Craig, and Ben Schachtman dive deep into the highly anticipated 2025 Wilmington city elections. The discussion opens with a candid reflection on why local voter turnout remains low, examining the challenges faced by both major parties in energizing the electorate. The trio analyzes how shifting demographics, development issues, and infrastructure concerns have reshaped the political climate, setting the stage for a pivotal election year in North Carolina’s Port City.
As the conversation unfolds, the Three Guys dissect the mayoral and city council races, offering insightful commentary on each candidate’s strengths and vulnerabilities. They provide behind-the-scenes context about party strategies, candidate backgrounds, and the unique dynamics of Wilmington’s “nonpartisan” contests, which are anything but. From debates over housing policy and growth to the narrative of anti-establishment sentiment, Reuel, Nick, and Ben illuminate the factors likely to sway this year’s results—breaking down what it means for both long-time residents and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re a political junkie, a Wilmington voter, or just curious about what shapes local leadership, this episode offers valuable perspective mixed with informed opinions and a dash of humor. Don’t miss Reuel, Nick, and Ben’s lively banter and sharp analysis—be sure to like and subscribe to the Three Guys Podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms so you never miss an episode!
Reuel Sample is the Editor-in-Chief of The Wilmington Standard. A graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as both a Presbyterian Pastor and a Navy Chaplain. He is the product of a classical liberal arts education combined with real world experience in politics and business and conservative Christian worldview firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition. He is the host of several podcasts including the NHC GOP Podcast, the Pastor's Voice, and co-hosts the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience. An avid sailor, he has sailed around the world as a youth and to the Azores as a teen as well as extensive trips up and down the east coast of the United States. He is honored to be married to his wife Pam and makes his home in Wilmington, NC.
Ben 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
Nick Craig is the creator and host of The Nick Craig Show, a daily podcast and broadcast known for sharp insight and bold commentary on politics, media, and news in North Carolina and beyond. Nick’s broadcasting career began in 2015 with a show focused on political issues in higher education, and since then he has worked on both the 2016 and 2020 Donald Trump campaigns, served as chairman of the Lower Cape Fear Young Republicans, and sat on the executive board of the North Carolina GOP. In addition to his radio work, Nick enjoys gaming, technology, and exploring local restaurants, and he is also the host of the Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT Radio in Charlotte.
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