All results are pre-final canvas
President-Elect Donald Trump will be the nation’s 47th president after a blowout night for the former White House occupier.
Despite hopes and efforts from Democrats, Trump ended up outperforming Vice President Kamala Harris — and his own 2020 margins — in North Carolina. In counties like Forsyth, Wake and Mecklenburg, where Harris needed to potentially outdo President Joe Biden’s 2020 margins, Trump made marginal but consequential gains.
Trump walloped Harris in counties like Robeson, which is home to a substantial native American population. In 2020, Trump won Robeson by 18 points — this year he moved the county another five points to the right.
The Associated Press called the state, and its 16 electoral votes, at 11:18 p.m. But the story of North Carolina’s night — as has often been the case — wasn’t that straightforward.
The state’s closely-watched governor’s race was called by the Associated Press hours earlier, just a little over an hour after polls closed at 7:30 p.m. Governor-elect Josh Stein decisively won against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson by 14 points. Robinson conceded shortly thereafter.
“I’m a little disappointed; I’m disappointed for you,” Robinson said in his concession speech, “My head is held high.”
Robinson was thrust into national attention for his comments on pornography websites, including one in which he proclaimed himself a Nazi.
In his victory speech, Stein profusely thanked the people of North Carolina, and his now-former boss, Roy Cooper.
“We choose hope over hate […] that’s who we are as North Carolinians,” Stein said. “We are home to the best people.” Stein also highlighted the resilience of North Carolinian voters who turned out in spite of the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The results in N.C. continued to be a highlight for democrats throughout the night in spite of the emerging national picture.
Rep. Jeff Jackson became the state’s new attorney general, beating out Republican Dan Bishop by three points. North Carolina continues its tradition of not electing a republican attorney general since the 19th century.
In another closely watched race, Democrat Maurice “Mo” Green beat Republican Michelle Morrow for state superintendent by three points. Additionally, Democrat Rachel Hunt will become the next lieutenant governor, and Elaine Marshall will serve another term as secretary of state, holding that office for the Democrats.
Republican Mike Causey beat Natasha Marcus for N.C. commissioner of insurance, and Republicans held onto commissioner of labor, agriculture and treasury.
Ahead of the final canvas, The N.C. Supreme Court race remains extremely close: Republican Jefferson Griffin leads Allison Riggs by less than 1,000 votes. That race will likely trigger an automatic recount.
In one of the bigger surprises of the night, the Democratic Party broke the GOP supermajority in the state house by a single seat. When Rep. Tricia Cotham infamously switched parties from Democrat to Republican in 2023, she handed the state Republicans a veto-proof majority in the House. But last night, Democrat Dante Pittman unseated Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot in District 24. Republicans still have a majority, but will now have to meaningfully negotiate with incoming Governor-elect Stein on legislative priorities.
Democrats sought to get revenge on Cotham this cycle, but it looks like she will hold onto her seat after Republicans rewarded Cotham by drawing her seat into a safe district following redistricting last year.
In Winston-Salem, Democrat Regina Hall beat Republican Jimmy Hodson for the Northwestern Ward city council seat.
“To the citizens of the Northwest Ward, I have two words,” Hall said at a watch party in downtown Winston-Salem last night. “Thank you. Thank you for your trust in me. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Together, we will move forward.”.
Finally, a constitutional amendment that changes the state’s constitutional language around citizen voting requirements passed by 55 points.
Emotions were mixed for state Dems, with outgoing governor Roy Cooper highlighting the gains and losses.
“The presidential results weren’t what we wanted, but in State races, we beat back extremism and chose strong N.C. leaders,” Cooper said in a statement. “We will never stop fighting for our country, our democracy and our freedoms.”
N.C. Senate leader, Republican Phil Berger struck a different tone.
“Since 2010, North Carolinians have put their faith in Republicans to guide the state. Tonight’s results affirm their continued support of the policies that make North Carolina the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family,” said Berger in a statement. “Our platform of low taxes, job creation, quality education and educational freedom spoke to North Carolinians then. Now, the voters are returning Republican majorities to the legislature for the eighth consecutive election.”
The mixed bag down the ballot demonstrates that split-ticketing played a substantial role in last night’s contest. For another election cycle, North Carolina once again remains strongly “purple.”
