North Carolina Republicans suffered significant losses in Tuesday’s elections, with former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper winning the state’s U.S. Senate seat and control of several congressional and legislative seats hanging on margins as thin as a few hundred votes.
Going into Election Day, Republicans held 10 of North Carolina’s 14 congressional districts, with most seen as safe. Based on results reported so far, Democrats could end up holding a 10-4 majority of the delegation, depending on the outcome of three still-uncalled races in CD3, CD5 and CD7, all currently held by Republicans. In CD5, incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx may lose by fewer than 100 votes.
Republicans also lost control of the state House, with some races decided by fewer than 300 votes, a margin likely to trigger recounts. In the state Senate, Republicans appear to have narrowly held their majority, aided by one race where the GOP incumbent leads by under 300 votes.
By contrast, Republicans in Florida were reported to have had a comparatively strong night overall, though specific results were not detailed.
What comes next
With several North Carolina races too close to call, recounts are expected in multiple contests before final control of the state House and several congressional seats is settled. The outcome in CD3, CD5 and CD7 will determine whether Democrats secure a 10-4 advantage in the state’s U.S. House delegation, a reversal of the pre-election 10-4 Republican split.
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