In a pattern familiar to North Carolina voters, the state once again split its support in a high-stakes election, delivering its presidential vote to Republican Donald Trump while electing a Democratic candidate for governor. This marks the third time in just eight years that North Carolina has voted this way, underscoring its identity as a swing state with complex political dynamics.
Trump Takes North Carolina’s Electoral Votes
Tuesday night’s results confirmed North Carolina as one of the first swing states to be called in the 2024 presidential race. The Associated Press announced Trump’s victory in the state around 11:15 p.m., a noticeably quicker call than in 2020 when the AP took 10 days to finalize North Carolina’s results. This early call reinforced North Carolina’s position as a politically divided but significant state in national elections.
Democrat Josh Stein Wins Governor’s Race Over Mark Robinson
In the governor’s race, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein faced off against Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in a contest marked by tension and intense campaigning. The results were clear even before 9 p.m., with Robinson conceding shortly thereafter. Stein’s victory demonstrated that North Carolina voters are willing to cross party lines, supporting both Trump for president and Stein for governor.
This pattern is not new for the state. In 2016, North Carolina helped secure Trump’s initial presidential win while also electing Democratic Governor Roy Cooper over Republican incumbent Pat McCrory. Then, in 2020, voters backed Trump once more while re-electing Cooper. The 2024 results affirm that North Carolina remains a state divided, with its voters showing a unique balance between Republican and Democratic preferences.
Mixed Results in Down-Ballot Races Reflect North Carolina’s Purple State Status
The statewide council of state races highlighted North Carolina’s “purple” status, as voters chose candidates from both major parties for a variety of state positions. Democratic Congressman Jeff Jackson defeated Republican Congressman Dan Bishop in the attorney general race. However, Republican Steve Troxler appears to have maintained his seat as agriculture commissioner, defeating Democrat Sarah Taber.
As of midnight, Republicans were ahead in the races for state auditor, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and state treasurer, while Democrats seemed to lead in the races for superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state, and lieutenant governor. This split ticket voting showcases North Carolina’s swing state nature, where voters seem more focused on individual candidates than strictly partisan allegiances.
Controversy Surrounding Robinson’s Campaign Likely Affected GOP’s Down-Ballot Performance
The campaign for the governorship was not without controversy. Robinson’s bid was marred by damaging reports in September when CNN revealed allegations that he had made inappropriate comments on a porn site message board. Democrats seized the opportunity to associate their Republican opponents with Robinson, likely influencing voters’ perceptions down the ballot. The impact of these controversies seemed to ripple through the down-ballot races, possibly contributing to the success of Democratic candidates in several statewide positions.
Divided Government in North Carolina’s Future
North Carolina’s divided government looks set to continue in this era of political gridlock. With a Democrat once again in the governor’s office, a Republican-controlled state legislature, and both parties represented across key state offices, North Carolina is poised for more of the bipartisan dynamics that have defined its politics for years.
As one of the nation’s most watched swing states, North Carolina’s 2024 election results suggest it will remain unpredictable and politically nuanced. With voters showing a willingness to elect candidates from both parties, the state stands as a vivid example of America’s divided political landscape and the potential for collaboration in its unique, mixed governance.
