Council of State Democratic primary

With filing is over, the Democratic primary is shaping up.

Four Council of State races have three or more challengers, including the races for open seats of governor, lieutenant governor and state treasurer.

For governor, Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue as well as longshot candidate Dennis Nielsen are facing off, while state Sen. Walter Dalton, Hampton Dellinger, Canton Mayor Pat Smathers and Winston-Salem Councilman Dan Besse are running for lieutenant governor.

State Sen. Janet Cowell, Buncombe County commissioner David Young and Raleigh attorney Michael Weisel are in the race for state treasurer.

In three races, a primary challenge will determine who can face off against a Republican incumbent.

Retired Army colonel Fred Aikens and former auditor Beth Wood are vying to challenge Auditor Les Merritt in the fall. Former state Rep. Wayne Goodwin faces David C. Smith for insurance commissioner. Economic developer Mary Fant Donnan, John C. Brooks, Ty Richardson and State Personnel Commissioner chairwoman Robin Anderson are facing off to run against Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry.

Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson faces a primary challenge from N.C. Association of Educators president Eddie Davis.

Raleigh attorney Ronnie Ansley doesn't have a primary in his challenge against Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, while Attorney General Roy Cooper and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall have no competition.