By: Jordan Meadows, Staff Writer
The results of North Carolina’s 2024 legislative elections have created a major shift in the state’s political landscape, with Democrats breaking the Republican Party’s fragile supermajority in the General Assembly.
Unofficial results show Democrats have picked up a net gain of one seat in the state House, reducing the GOP’s majority from 72-48 to 71-49. This shift means Republicans will no longer have the ability to override vetoes from Democratic Governor-elect Josh Stein, who won decisively in the gubernatorial race.
With just one seat shy of a supermajority, the GOP will need Democratic cooperation to push through major legislation or to override any vetoes from Stein, whose policy priorities focus on issues like public education, healthcare access, and protecting personal freedoms.
In the Senate, Republicans strengthened their majority, holding a 31-19 advantage with a few races still too close to call. Despite this, the loss of the supermajority in the House is a significant blow to the GOP’s ability to pass legislation without compromise.
The most crucial races in the state House were concentrated in key districts that saw close contests between incumbents and challengers. In House District 24, which encompasses Nash and Wilson counties, Republican incumbent Rep. Ken Fontenot is trailing Democrat Dante Pittman by fewer than 900 votes.
Similarly, in Granville and Vance counties’ House District 32, Democrat Bryan Cohn is leading Republican incumbent Rep. Frank Sossamon by just under 200 votes, a margin that may trigger a recount.
The most recent redistricting has created a limited number of competitive legislative districts, referred to as “shoulder districts.” These are areas that don’t fall squarely into urban, suburban, or rural categories, making them politically diverse and often unpredictable.
One such district is represented by State House Rep. Erin Paré, a two-term Republican incumbent and rising star in her party. Paré, who had previously withdrawn from a congressional race, is the only Republican member of the state legislature from Wake County. She managed to secure re-election with 51.5% of the vote, holding onto her seat in a closely watched race.
Should Democrats hold their leads in these contests, they will have unseated two Republican incumbents, signaling a growing Democratic presence in traditionally conservative parts of the state.
Interestingly, the loss of these GOP seats is partially attributed to the underperformance of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate who lost to Stein by a wide margin. Robinson’s loss may have had a down-ballot effect, particularly in suburban and swing districts where voters may have been less inclined to support the GOP in the absence of a strong gubernatorial candidate.
With the GOP no longer able to push its agenda unchecked in the state House, the next legislative session promises to be more contentious and closely divided. The shift in power could have significant implications for key issues such as education, healthcare, and tax policy.
Republicans have long championed policies promoting school choice, including expanding private school scholarships and limiting public school funding. While the GOP may still push forward with these priorities, Democrats now have a stronger position to resist such measures, potentially leading to debates over the future of public education in North Carolina. State Republicans may attempt to push through additional school-choice opportunities and funding before the end of the year while they still hold control.
NC Republican lawmakers have made reducing taxes a centerpiece of their agenda in recent years, and it is likely they will continue to advocate for lower taxes and more business-friendly policies. On the other hand, Democrats, particularly under Governor-elect Stein, are expected to push for expanded healthcare access, including efforts to expand Medicaid, and a more progressive tax system that benefits working-class families.
In recent years, North Carolina’s legislature has been a battleground for social issues, including abortion access, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Robert Reives, have celebrated the shift in power, framing it as a victory for North Carolinians who want a more balanced approach to governance.
“This marks a monumental shift in the balance of power in North Carolina,” Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams said in a statement.
Senate leader Phil Berger said North Carolina voters continue to trust Republicans, who have controlled both chambers since 2011, to run the General Assembly. “Tonight’s results affirm their continued support of policies that make North Carolina the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Berger said in a statement.
While the GOP remains in power in the state Senate and will continue to control the levers of power in the legislature, the upcoming session will likely be characterized by more collaboration, negotiation, and potential gridlock.
“I don’t think it changes our agenda … whether we’re at 72 or 71 (members),” Hall said. “I don’t know that it’s going to substantially change what we end up doing,” said Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), who is expected to be the next Speaker of the House.
Governor-elect Stein, for his part, has promised to work across the aisle in an effort to bring stability and progress to the state.
“The issues facing our state – rebuilding western North Carolina, creating good jobs, strengthening public schools, ensuring safe neighborhoods, and protecting personal freedoms – are not partisan issues; they are North Carolina issues. To build a brighter future for everyone in our state, we must come together across our differences and get to work. I’m ready to go,” Stein said.
Despite the narrow shift in power, the GOP’s control of the state Senate and the continued influence of conservative policies mean that the coming years will likely see continued political battles. Key districts, particularly in suburban and rural areas outside of Raleigh, Asheville, and Charlotte will remain crucial battlegrounds in future elections, with candidates often taking more moderate stances to appeal to a broader electorate.
The future of education funding, healthcare expansion, and social policy in North Carolina could hinge on how effectively lawmakers from both parties are able to work together—or clash in the face of partisan differences.
