In a landmark election with surprises across the board, North Carolina’s voters showed significant shifts in their political leanings, giving former President Donald Trump a third win in the state, according to unofficial data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Trump secured a larger margin of support than in the 2020 election, indicating a stronger Republican presence in the Tar Heel State this year. Although Trump received substantial support, North Carolinians did not back extreme far-right candidates in statewide races, including Michele Morrow and Mark Robinson. At the same time, voters chose Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein, showcasing the state’s complex political landscape.

County-by-County Breakdown of Trump and Stein’s Wins

Out of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 78 voted for Trump, reflecting a clear Republican advantage. Interestingly, three counties — Anson, Nash, and Pasquotank — flipped from their 2020 Democratic stance to vote Republican in 2024. While Trump’s base widened, North Carolina voters also embraced Stein in the gubernatorial race, adding a unique dimension to the election results.

This shift signifies a trend where many North Carolina counties experienced an uptick in Republican support from 2020 to 2024, underscoring Trump’s influence. For more on how election trends are shaping the political future in the U.S., visit North Carolina State Board of Elections for detailed election insights.

Republican Gains and Democratic Shifts

The map of voting patterns in North Carolina reveals a noticeable Republican margin shift, with counties like Robeson (8.83%), Gates (7.97%), Sampson (7.42%), and Hertford (7.36%) showing substantial increases in Republican support. Conversely, some counties, including Henderson (4.2%), Buncombe (3.67%), and Transylvania (3.57%), saw gains for the Democratic candidates from 2020 to 2024.

While the state saw strong Republican support, particularly in rural areas, the Democratic Party made gains in a few key regions, demonstrating North Carolina’s evolving political dynamics. These results point to a divided yet adaptable electorate that may continue to surprise analysts in the years ahead. The 2024 election underscores North Carolina’s role as a political bellwether, reflecting both solidified loyalties and subtle shifts in voter sentiment.