Who Controls North Carolina? A Look At The Ruling Political Party

North Carolina’s political landscape is characterized by a dynamic balance between the Republican and Democratic parties, with the Republican Party currently holding significant influence in state governance. As of recent years, Republicans have controlled both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly and the governorship, shaping policies on issues such as taxation, education, and healthcare. However, the state remains a key battleground in national elections, with closely contested races reflecting its diverse and shifting demographics. While Republicans dominate at the state level, Democrats maintain strong support in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh, while rural regions tend to lean conservative. This competitive environment underscores North Carolina’s role as a critical swing state in broader American politics.

Explore related products

Anatomy of a Purple State: A North Carolina Politics Primer

$8.33 $22

Lessons from North Carolina: Race, Religion, Tribe, and the Future of America

$7.73 $16.95

The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North Carolina

$17.99 $29.95

Indecent Assembly: The North Carolina Legislature's Blueprint for the War on Democracy and Equality

$7.94 $16.95

Southern News, Southern Politics: How a Newspaper Defined a State for a Century

$12.9 $35

The Making of a Southern Democracy: North Carolina Politics from Kerr Scott to Pat McCrory

$39.99 $60

Current Leadership: North Carolina's governor is Democrat Roy Cooper, serving since 2017

North Carolina’s political landscape is a study in contrasts, with Democratic Governor Roy Cooper at the helm since 2017. His tenure has been marked by a delicate balance of power in a state where the General Assembly is controlled by Republicans. This dynamic has shaped policy outcomes, often resulting in compromises or stalemates on key issues like education funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental regulation. Cooper’s leadership style—pragmatic yet firm—has allowed him to navigate this divided government, leveraging executive orders and veto power to advance Democratic priorities where legislative cooperation falters.

Consider the practical implications of this leadership structure. For instance, Cooper’s push to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act faced repeated resistance from the Republican-led legislature, delaying access to healthcare for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians. Yet, his persistence paid off in 2023 when a bipartisan agreement finally cleared the way for expansion. This example underscores a critical takeaway: in a divided government, incremental progress often hinges on a governor’s ability to build coalitions and exploit narrow windows of opportunity.

To understand Cooper’s impact, compare his approach to that of his Republican predecessor, Pat McCrory. While McCrory’s term was defined by controversial policies like the "bathroom bill" (HB2), Cooper has focused on reversing such measures and rebranding North Carolina as a more inclusive state. His executive actions on LGBTQ+ rights, voting access, and climate change reflect a strategic use of gubernatorial authority to counterbalance legislative conservatism. This contrast highlights how leadership style, not just party affiliation, shapes a state’s trajectory.

For those tracking North Carolina’s political trends, Cooper’s term offers a case study in resilience. Despite facing a supermajority Republican legislature for much of his tenure, he has successfully vetoed over 20 bills, more than any governor in state history. This statistic isn’t just a measure of opposition—it’s a testament to his role as a check on legislative overreach. However, it also reveals the limits of gubernatorial power: without legislative cooperation, ambitious policy goals often remain unfulfilled.

Finally, Cooper’s leadership serves as a reminder of the importance of state-level politics in an era of federal gridlock. While national headlines dominate the news cycle, decisions made in Raleigh—on issues like school funding, infrastructure, and voting rights—have immediate, tangible impacts on North Carolinians. As Cooper’s term nears its end in 2025, his legacy will likely be defined by his ability to safeguard Democratic values in a politically divided state, offering lessons for future leaders navigating similar challenges.

General Assembly: The NC General Assembly is controlled by Republicans in both chambers

The North Carolina General Assembly, the state's bicameral legislature, is currently dominated by the Republican Party, which holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This control has significant implications for policy-making and governance in the state. With 72 out of 120 seats in the House and 30 out of 50 seats in the Senate, Republicans have a strong grip on the legislative process, allowing them to shape the state's agenda on various issues, from education and healthcare to taxation and environmental regulations.

Analyzing the impact of this Republican majority reveals a clear pattern of conservative policy initiatives. For instance, the General Assembly has consistently pushed for tax cuts, particularly for corporations and high-income earners, arguing that this stimulates economic growth. In 2021, they passed a bill reducing the state's corporate income tax rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, a move that was projected to reduce state revenue by $1.2 billion over five years. Critics argue that these cuts disproportionately benefit the wealthy and could lead to underfunding of essential public services.

A comparative look at neighboring states highlights the uniqueness of North Carolina's legislative landscape. While states like Virginia have seen a shift towards Democratic control in recent years, North Carolina's General Assembly remains firmly in Republican hands. This divergence can be attributed to various factors, including differences in demographic trends, urban-rural divides, and the effectiveness of gerrymandering. North Carolina's legislative maps have been a subject of legal contention, with critics arguing that they are drawn to favor Republican candidates, thereby solidifying their control.

From a practical standpoint, understanding the Republican dominance in the General Assembly is crucial for anyone engaged in state-level advocacy or policy work. For example, organizations advocating for progressive policies, such as expanded Medicaid or stricter environmental protections, must navigate a legislative environment that is largely hostile to these ideas. Effective strategies might include building bipartisan coalitions, leveraging public opinion through grassroots campaigns, or focusing on local-level initiatives that can gain traction even in a conservative-controlled legislature.

In conclusion, the Republican control of both chambers in the North Carolina General Assembly shapes the state's political and policy landscape in profound ways. This dominance influences everything from budgetary priorities to social legislation, often leading to outcomes that align with conservative principles. For stakeholders seeking to influence state policy, recognizing this dynamic is essential for crafting effective strategies and achieving meaningful change.

Recent Elections: Republicans have dominated statewide and legislative elections since 2010

Since 2010, North Carolina’s political landscape has been reshaped by a consistent Republican stronghold in statewide and legislative elections. This shift began with the 2010 midterms, often dubbed the "Republican wave," where the GOP gained control of both the state House and Senate for the first time since 1870. This victory set the stage for a decade of Republican dominance, marked by strategic redistricting and policy initiatives that solidified their grip on power. Gubernatorial races, while occasionally competitive, have also leaned Republican, with Pat McCrory winning in 2012 and 2016, though Democrat Roy Cooper narrowly secured the governor’s office in 2016 and 2020, highlighting the state’s evolving political dynamics.

Analyzing the factors behind this dominance reveals a combination of demographic shifts, voter turnout strategies, and policy priorities. Republicans have effectively mobilized rural and suburban voters, leveraging issues like tax cuts, education reform, and cultural conservatism to build a loyal base. Meanwhile, Democrats have struggled to consistently mobilize urban and younger voters, particularly in off-year elections. The GOP’s control of the General Assembly has allowed them to redraw legislative maps favorable to their candidates, a practice upheld in courts despite challenges. This structural advantage has made it difficult for Democrats to regain ground, even as North Carolina’s population grows more diverse.

A comparative look at recent elections underscores the GOP’s strategic edge. In 2018, Democrats made gains in congressional and state legislative races, fueled by backlash to Republican policies and high turnout in urban areas. However, Republicans retained control of the General Assembly, demonstrating their resilience. The 2020 election further highlighted this divide: while Joe Biden narrowly flipped the state in the presidential race, Republicans maintained their legislative majorities and won key statewide offices like the Council of State. This dichotomy illustrates the GOP’s ability to dominate down-ballot races, even as the state becomes more competitive at the federal level.

For those seeking to understand or influence North Carolina’s political future, practical takeaways emerge. First, voter engagement strategies must target underrepresented groups, particularly in rural and suburban areas, to counterbalance Republican strongholds. Second, addressing gerrymandering remains critical, as fairer maps could level the playing field for Democrats. Finally, both parties must adapt to the state’s changing demographics, as the growing Latino and urban populations could shift the balance of power. While Republicans have dominated since 2010, North Carolina’s political trajectory is far from static, making it a key battleground for years to come.

Explore related products

The Tar Heel State: A New History of North Carolina

$17.99 $29.99

African American Hospitals in North Carolina: 39 Institutional Histories, 1880-1967

$18.99 $19.99

North Carolina Politics: An Introduction

$32.5 $32.5

The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North Carolina

$33 $35

North Carolina Through Four Centuries

$35.48 $45

Gender and Jim Crow: Women and the Politics of White Supremacy in North Carolina, 1896-1920 (Gender and American Culture)

$46.4

Key Issues: Partisan control impacts policies on voting rights, education, and healthcare

North Carolina’s political landscape is a battleground where partisan control directly shapes policies on voting rights, education, and healthcare. As of recent elections, the Republican Party holds a majority in the state legislature, while the governorship has alternated between parties, creating a dynamic tension between executive and legislative branches. This divided governance means that policies often reflect a tug-of-war between conservative and progressive priorities, with tangible consequences for residents. For instance, Republican-led initiatives have historically favored voter ID laws and restrictions on early voting, while Democratic governors have pushed for expansions of voting access. This partisan divide underscores how control of state government can either safeguard or undermine democratic participation.

In education, partisan control manifests in debates over funding, curriculum, and school choice. Republican leadership has championed charter schools and voucher programs, arguing they provide parents with alternatives to underperforming public schools. However, critics contend that these policies divert resources from traditional public schools, exacerbating inequities. Conversely, Democratic administrations have prioritized increasing teacher salaries and expanding pre-K programs, framing education as a public good. The outcome of these battles often hinges on which party wields power, with long-term implications for student outcomes and the state’s economic competitiveness. For parents and educators, understanding these partisan priorities is crucial for advocating effectively.

Healthcare policy in North Carolina is another arena where partisan control dictates outcomes, particularly regarding Medicaid expansion. Democratic leaders have consistently pushed for expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover hundreds of thousands of low-income residents. Republican lawmakers, however, have resisted expansion, citing concerns about long-term costs and federal dependency. This stalemate has left North Carolina as one of the few states without expanded Medicaid, leaving a coverage gap for individuals earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for subsidized insurance. For families navigating the healthcare system, the partisan divide translates into real barriers to accessing affordable care.

The interplay of these issues highlights a broader truth: partisan control in North Carolina is not merely about ideological victories but about shaping the daily lives of its residents. Voting rights determine who participates in democracy, education policies influence future opportunities, and healthcare decisions affect well-being. As the state’s political pendulum swings, citizens must remain informed about how each party’s agenda aligns with their needs. Practical steps include tracking legislation, engaging with local representatives, and participating in elections—both high-profile and down-ballot—to influence the direction of these critical policies. In North Carolina, the question of which party runs the state is, ultimately, a question of whose priorities will prevail.

Gerrymandering: Republican-drawn maps have faced legal challenges for partisan bias

North Carolina’s political landscape is deeply influenced by gerrymandering, a practice where electoral district boundaries are manipulated to favor one party. Since 2010, Republican-drawn maps in the state have repeatedly faced legal challenges for partisan bias, sparking debates over fairness and representation. These maps have been accused of diluting Democratic votes, particularly in urban and minority-heavy areas, to secure Republican dominance in the state legislature and congressional delegation.

Consider the 2016 and 2018 elections: despite Democrats winning roughly half of the statewide votes, Republicans secured nearly three-quarters of the congressional seats. This disparity led to lawsuits, with courts ruling the maps unconstitutional due to partisan gerrymandering. For instance, in *Common Cause v. Lewis* (2019), a state court struck down the legislative maps, stating they were "unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt." Such cases highlight how gerrymandering undermines the principle of "one person, one vote."

To understand the mechanics, imagine a state with 100 voters, 55 Democrats and 45 Republicans, divided into 5 districts. A gerrymandered map might pack Democrats into 2 districts (winning 100% in those) while spreading Republicans across the remaining 3 (winning 60% in each). Result? Republicans win 3 out of 5 districts despite having fewer overall votes. This tactic, known as "cracking and packing," has been central to North Carolina’s Republican-drawn maps.

Critics argue that gerrymandering stifles competition, reduces voter turnout, and distorts policy outcomes. For example, districts drawn to favor Republicans may prioritize conservative agendas, even if they don’t reflect the state’s broader demographics. Proponents, however, claim it ensures regional representation. Yet, data shows North Carolina’s maps disproportionately favor rural, Republican-leaning areas over urban centers, where Democrats dominate.

Practical solutions exist, such as independent redistricting commissions, which states like California have adopted. These bodies remove partisan influence, ensuring maps reflect population distribution fairly. Until North Carolina embraces such reforms, legal battles over its maps will likely continue, leaving voters to question whether their voices truly count in a system skewed by design.

Frequently asked questions