North Carolina Democrats experienced notable success in downballot races despite failing to secure the state in the presidential election.
In the recent elections, North Carolina once again demonstrated its unpredictable nature as a swing state. Although Democrats could not overturn the Republican hold in the presidential race, they achieved significant victories further down the ballot. Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris by over three percentage points, yet Democrats celebrated wins in gubernatorial, attorney general, and legislative races. This was seen as a triumph in a state where conservatives have recently wielded substantial influence over the General Assembly and courts.
Governor Roy Cooper, a prominent Democrat and supporter of Harris, emphasized the quality of Democratic candidates confronting right-wing opponents, crediting them for the electoral successes. Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, won a decisive victory over Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Stein’s campaign effectively highlighted Robinson’s past controversial statements on topics such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Democrats have a historical advantage in the gubernatorial races of North Carolina, having claimed victory in eight of the last nine elections. In contrast, the state has leaned Republican in presidential elections, with Barack Obama’s 2008 win being a notable exception. U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson continued this trend by securing the position of Attorney General, winning against U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop.
Adding to their victories, Democrats also captured the lieutenant governor’s office and the state school superintendent’s role. In the latter, they unseated a Republican candidate linked to the January 6th Capitol event, who had referred to public education as liberal indoctrination. Anderson Clayton, the youthful chair of the state Democratic Party, remains optimistic about these achievements despite the loss in the presidential race.
Republicans can attribute their 2024 accomplishments to Trump’s continued appeal and strategic redistricting, which resulted in three additional congressional seats. These gains were vital for the national Republican Party’s efforts to secure control of the U.S. House. However, in North Carolina’s singular competitive congressional race, Democrat Don Davis managed to clinch a narrow victory.
Although the Republicans retained dominance in the state Senate, they face losing a veto-proof majority in the House by just one seat. This shift would provide Stein greater leverage to counter Republican legislative measures. For years, North Carolinian voters have shown a willingness to split their tickets, favoring Democrats for state roles while approaching the national Democratic Party with greater caution.
State Republicans maintain that the party is on firm ground, having won a significant number of executive positions and continuing to lead in the General Assembly. They view the state as inherently Republican despite recent trends that suggest a more balanced political landscape.
Phil Berger, a key Republican figure in the state Senate, acknowledges the labeling of North Carolina as a purple state but insists on its Republican orientation. Yet, the 2024 election underscored some missed GOP opportunities, notably linked to Robinson’s campaign, which was overshadowed by significant financial backing for Stein and controversial reports regarding Robinson’s past comments.
Looking forward to 2026, potential candidates for high-profile Senate races are already being considered. Democrats like Cooper and Wiley Nickel are weighing their options as the race for Senator Thom Tillis’ seat looms. Democrats aim to build on their current momentum, while Republicans strive to solidify their standing.
Anderson Clayton, leading the Democrats in North Carolina, sees the necessity of proactive efforts, such as recruiting candidates and supporting incumbents for municipal elections, as key to future success. She stresses the importance of foundational work, emphasizing the need to connect with voters across the state to sustain momentum for upcoming challenges.
While North Carolina Democrats celebrate their downballot achievements, both parties recognize the ongoing challenges and opportunities in this ever-competitive state.
Source: News4jax
