Now What? is what’s next for Professor Gene R. Nichol

Gene R. Nichol, the Boyd C. Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, has penned a new book, “Now What? How North Carolina Can Blaze a Progressive Path Forward,” to be released Oct. 21, 2025.  

In this new book, Nichol examines the outcomes of the 2024 election, in which North Carolina elected a Democratic governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.  

Despite this, North Carolina was the stronghold for President Trump, leaving North Carolina progressives looking for inspiration and a new direction. With excess political energy and no outlet, Nichol addresses those who want to continue forward, knowing the state of politics in North Carolina and the country. 

“Now What? Examines the new war on democracy in North Carolina and offers an agenda to overcome it,” said Nichol. 

In support of the book, Nichol will travel across North Carolina for a six-city book tour, starting at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill on Oct. 21st and wrapping up Nov. 12th in Charlotte at Park Road Books. With stops in Raleigh, Pittsboro, and Asheville, Nichol will be joined by journalist and essayist Hal Crowther, former Democratic member of the North Carolina Senate Terry Van Dyun, and author Belle Boggs. 

 “Now What? How North Carolina Can Blaze a Progressive Path Forward” is published by Blair, a nonprofit press based in Durham, N.C.