North Carolina State Legislature Election Results: Democrats Gain Ground, Republicans Retain Senate Majority

In the recent 2024 North Carolina state legislature elections, Democrats made significant gains, although Republicans managed to retain their majority in the Senate. The elections saw several key races that could impact the legislative balance and the ability to override gubernatorial vetoes.

In the North Carolina House of Representatives, Democrats flipped several seats, which helped them break the Republican veto-proof majority. Notably, Democrat Bryan Cohn won against Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon in Granville and Vance counties, and Democrat Dante Pittman defeated Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot in the Wilson area. However, Republicans also gained seats, such as Jonathan Almond winning against Democratic Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams in Cabarrus County, and Mike Schietzelt flipping an open seat in northern Wake County from Democratic to Republican.

Despite these gains, the overall balance in the House remains closely contested. The bipartisanship dynamics are expected to continue, with the possibility of moderate Democrats crossing party lines to support Republican bills, a scenario that has played out in the past with Rep. Tricia Cotham’s party switch.

In the North Carolina Senate, incumbent Republican senators in competitive districts managed to retain their seats, ensuring that the GOP maintains the 30 seats needed to override vetoes from the incoming Governor, Josh Stein. However, two close races in Wake and Mecklenburg counties are likely headed for recounts, which could affect the final Senate majority.

The shift in legislative power is significant as it impacts the ability to override vetoes by the governor. Since 2019, Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed numerous Republican bills, many of which were not overridden due to the lack of a veto-proof majority. The current legislative makeup suggests that similar dynamics may continue in 2025.