After publishing my original campaign finance analysis earlier this week, I realized I made significant errors and omissions in the data. I want to be transparent and take full responsibility for that.
Hereās what happened:
I relied on incomplete filings that had not yet been updated in the state database.
I misread or missed newer reports that were filed after my initial download.
As a result, some totals, donor networks, and expenditure breakdowns were inaccurate.
Some candidate filings are still missing or incomplete on the North Carolina State Board of Elections site. When verified information becomes available, those campaigns will be added and updated accordingly.
I want to be transparent: Iām not reaching out to campaigns for comment right now, because this project is focused strictly on the dataāfollowing the money is a vital part of understanding influence and decision-making in our town.
I work late, sometimes too late, and I rushed that piece at around 1:00 a.m., thinking everything was up to date. It wasnāt. I own that mistake.
To everyone who called my attention to itāthank you. Accountability is part of this job, even when itās uncomfortable.
To the campaigns and readers affected: I sincerely apologize. The purpose of this reporting is to clarify, not to distort. Iām carefully rebuilding the analysis using verified, current data and publishing a corrected version that meets the accuracy standard this community deserves.
I also want to remind everyone that this work isnāt personal. Campaign finance transparency is part of democracy. My only goal is to get it right, document the truth, and help residents understand the networks and interests shaping our town.
The updated, verified report will be published soon. Until then, consider the earlier piece withdrawn.
Thank you for reading, holding me accountable, and caring enough to demand accuracy.
ā Tom Baker IV
Founder / Editor
Wake Forest Matters
Tom Baker IV is the publisher of Wake Forest Matters, Wake Forest’s only independent local newsroom. A Wake Forest native, Navy veteran, and intelligence professional, Tom launched Wake Forest Matters to bring serious accountability journalism to his hometown. Tips and story ideas: publisher@wakeforestmatters.com