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North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
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← 2020
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| North Carolina Secretary of State |
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 |
| Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: December 15, 2023 |
| Primary: March 5, 2024 Primary runoff: May 14, 2024 General: November 5, 2024 Pre-election incumbent(s): Elaine Marshall (D) |
| How to vote |
| Poll times: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting in North Carolina |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2024 Impact of term limits in 2024 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024 |
| North Carolina executive elections |
| Governor Lieutenant Governor |
Chad Brown (R) won the Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State on March 5, 2024. He defeated Jesse Thomas (R) and Christine Villaverde (R).
Brown was, at the time of the election, chairman of the Gaston County Commission and a territory manager for Pennsylvania Steel Company. Brown earlier served as mayor of Stanley, North Carolina, and played major-league baseball.[1] Brown said he was running "for the common person to help give them some direction through a cumbersome government."[2] Brown said his priorities were accuracy in election results, support for small businesses, and combating fraud.[3]
Thomas was a retired healthcare executive who most recently served as chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina's Medicaid division.[1] Thomas said his "background as a person of faith and chief executive officer are exactly what our citizens need...we’ve allowed the extremists to make almost everything too overheated, too polarized and take too long to get the people’s business done."[4] Thomas said he would eliminate the state income tax, support term limits for the secretary of state, and call for the secretary of state to assume authority over state elections.[5]
Villaverde was a former police and probation officer.[1] Villaverde said she was running "to bring bold ideas, innovative solutions, and my public service experience and leadership to serve North Carolina families, businesses, and communities."[6] Villaverde said her master's degree in public administration and her law enforcement experience made her the most qualified candidate. Villaverde said her priorities included reducing regulations on small businesses and limiting the secretary of state's office's spending.[7]
In North Carolina, a runner-up can request a runoff election if the winner does not take 30% of the vote, but a runoff is not required.
Brown faced incumbent Elaine Marshall (D) in the general election. Marshall won re-election 51%–49% in 2020 and 52%–48% in 2016. The last Republican elected North Carolina Secretary of State was William H. Howerton (R) in 1872.[8]
Chad Brown (R), Jesse Thomas (R), and Christine Villaverde (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.
This page focuses on North Carolina's Republican Party Secretary of State primary. For more in-depth information on North Carolina's Democratic Secretary of State primary and the general election, see the following pages:
- North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
- North Carolina Secretary of State election, 2024
Candidates and election results
Republican primary election
Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State
Chad Brown defeated Christine Villaverde and Jesse Thomas in the Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Chad Brown  | 43.3 | 373,166 |
 | Christine Villaverde | 30.0 | 258,569 | |
 | Jesse Thomas | 26.8 | 230,829 | |
| Total votes: 862,564 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Darren Eustance (R)
Voting information
- See also: Voting in North Carolina
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Gaston County Board of Commissioners (Assumed office: 2010)
- Mayor of Stanley, North Carolina
Submitted Biography: "My name is Chad Brown. I am proud to be a loving father, a dedicated public servant, a former professional baseball player, and a Flint Groves Baptist Church member in Gastonia, NC. As a father, I understand the importance of creating a better future for our children. Investing in our children and providing them with the necessary resources can build a stronger and more prosperous future for our state. In addition to being a father, I have dedicated the past 15 years of my life to public service. I have served in various government roles, including as Mayor of Stanley (NC) and Chairman of the Board of Gaston County Commissioners. Throughout my career, I have strongly advocated for government transparency, accountability, and fairness. Government should work for the people, not the other way around, and I am committed to fighting for the rights and interests of every citizen in our state. Before entering public service, I had the privilege of playing professional baseball for 11 years. This experience taught me the values of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. I bring these qualities with me into my work as a public servant, always striving to find common ground and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our state. As a Flint Groves Baptist Church member, I am guided by the principles of faith, compassion, and service to others."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina Secretary of State in 2024.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I'm an American success story. From the cotton fields to the corner office as a health plan CEO in multiple markets. Through God’s grace, hard work, thirst for education and sheer determination, this son of sharecroppers rose above the societal expectations of my Jim Crow-era Mississippi Delta upbringing. My desire to lift and serve others has been my motivation throughout my career in the private sector. I recently retired as CEO of Healthy Blue, the Medicaid Segment of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. Under my executive leadership, Healthy Blue secured the statewide contract to serve over 500,000 members across all 100 North Carolina counties with over $2 billion in annual revenue. As the former CEO of numerous other healthcare related corporations, I have proven myself an effective leader in the business and healthcare sectors. I've put my expertise to the public’s use, having served on: the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees; NC CHILD Board of Directors; and the North Carolina American Indian Health Board. Also, previously serving as the Health Policy Advisor to former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, I provided results. Now, I'm ready to do the same for the folks of North Carolina. I'm a no nonsense Republican focused on tangible results for everyday citizens. I believe efficient governance, practical solutions and common sense decision making are the core of conservatism and by embracing these tenants, Republican ideas will improve the lives of all citizens."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina Secretary of State in 2024.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I was raised in a proud military family, seeing firsthand the bravery of those who selflessly serve this great Nation. I share your values of family, faith, and freedom. My personal background and professional experience have laid a strong foundation for me to understand your priorities and be well-positioned to create effective solutions and policies for the problems facing North Carolina and America today. As an Army wife at Fort Bragg, I earned my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University, a Historically Black University. I then worked hard to earn my Master’s in Public Policy while taking care of premature twins. I was previously appointed as the Emergency Manager for North Carolina's Judicial Branch, and I proudly serve as a member of North Carolina's statewide Emergency Response Team. I am trained and battle-tested in preventing and responding to any number of emergency situations, including attacks against our critical infrastructure. As a former law enforcement officer, I understand that Constitutional liberties protect us, law and order are an essential part of society, and we must protect our U.S. borders and democracy around the world. And as a mother of three, I also know we need strong leadership to refocus education away from liberal Critical Race Theory doctrines, lower taxes to ensure the quality of life for our families, and protection of our constitutional liberties and freedoms that protect the democracy of America."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina Secretary of State in 2024.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Chad Brown (R)
As your Secretary of State, I will prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that government actions are open and accessible to the public. I am committed to eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. Together, we can create a government that operates with integrity and fiscal responsibility, working towards a better future for all North Carolinians.
I will tirelessly remove unnecessary burdens and cut red tape, creating an efficient and streamlined process for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I will also prioritize investigating and enforcing intellectual property rights, protecting the innovations and creations of our business community. Together, we can foster a business-friendly environment that encourages growth, innovation, and economic prosperity for all.
Jesse Thomas (R)
T H A T E F F E C T A L L N O R T H C A R O L I N I A N S
# P R O V I D E T A N G I B L E R E S U L T S A N D
R E A L E C O N O M I C R E L I E F F O R C I T I Z E N S
# P R I O R I T I Z E B U I L D I N G N O R T H
C A R O L I N A ’ S E C O N O M Y O F T H E F U T U R E
Various agencies of the North Carolina Executive Branch have recently handed down extensive rules and regulations, many of which place undue burdens on businesses and continue to hinder job creation. Many of these mandates and rules are not at all necessary for the public interest and simply advance personal agendas. To strengthen North Carolina’s economy, I will fight to reduce the burdens placed on businesses, particularly on small businesses. For businesses to thrive in North Carolina, the government simply needs to get out of the way. This means reducing regulatory burdens and regulations and streamlining processes for those creating a business with the Secretary of State’s office. Rolling back these burdensome regulations and reducing
As North Carolina’s Secretary of State my priority will be to ensure that my agency is restrained in its spending and is limited to what is necessary to serve North Carolinians. Under the Democrats, government spending has grown dramatically, and I aim to curb this so that the citizens of North Carolina can keep more of their hard-earned money. As a steward of taxpayer funds, I will make sure that every dollar spent by my agency is well spent and only spent in their best interest. I am committed to making tough choices to save taxpayer’s money and to ensure that their money does not fund private business ventures or pick winners and losers in a way that makes North Carolina less economically competitive.
Chad Brown (R)
One area that is close to my heart is protecting and promoting the sanctity of life. I firmly believe in the value and dignity of every human being, from the earliest stages of life to natural death.
Fiscal responsibility and limited government are values that I hold dear. I believe in lowering taxes, reducing government spending, and eliminating unnecessary regulations hindering economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Jesse Thomas (R)
+ STARTING WITH FIRST RESPONDERS, ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, SENIORS CITIZENS, TEACHERS, AND EVENTUALLY INCLUDING ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS; WE WILL EASE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN CAUSED BY JOE BIDEN’S FAILED ECONOMY WHILE LURING NEW JOBS TO OUR STATE.
2. TERM LIMIT THE SECRETARY OF STATE:
+ THE INCUMBENT HAS BEEN IN OFFICE SINCE 1997. NORTH CAROLINA HAS HAD ONLY 3 ELECTED SECRETARIES OF STATE SINCE 1936. + I WILL PUSH THE LEGISLATURE TO TERM LIMIT THE OFFICE.
3. MODERNIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE:
+ SECRETARY OF STATE BECOME CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER LIKE OVER 90% OF STATES.
+ CONSTANTLY PUSH THE ENVELOPE TO MAKE OUR STATE AS ATTRACTIVE FOR INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS EXPANSION AND RELOCATION AS POSSIBLE.
Chad Brown (R)
1. Business Services: The Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining the records of all businesses operating in the state. This includes registering new businesses, filing annual reports, and providing information and resources to support economic development and entrepreneurship.
2. Securities Regulation: The Secretary of State is responsible for regulating the securities industry in the state. They oversee the registration of securities offerings, licensing of securities professionals, and enforcing securities laws to protect investors and maintain fair and transparent financial markets.
3. Notary Public Commission: The Secretary of State grants and maintains the commissions of notaries public in the state. They ensure that notaries meet the qualifications and ethical standards required for the position, which is essential for legal document authentication and verification.
4. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): The Secretary of State administers and maintains UCC filings, which provide a standardized system for recording security interests in personal property. This helps protect the rights of businesses and individuals in financial transactions.
5. Trademarks and Tradenames: The Secretary of State registers and maintains records of trademarks and tradenames used in the state. This protects intellectual property rights and helps businesses establish and protect their brands.
6. Lobbying and Ethics: The Secretary of State oversees the registration and regulation of lobbyists and promotes transparency and ethics in government. They maintain a registry of lobbyists and enforce lobbying laws to ensure transparency in the legislative process.
These unique responsibilities make the North Carolina Secretary of State office an essential state government and legal system component.
Jesse Thomas (R)
Chad Brown (R)
Accountability is another key trait that I value. I understand that I am accountable to the people who elected me and take full responsibility for my actions and decisions. I am willing to be transparent and answer to the public for the choices I make.
Leadership is essential for making a positive impact. I believe in leading by example and inspiring others to achieve common goals. I am dedicated to setting a vision, making tough decisions when necessary, and collaborating with others to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Knowledge and expertise are important for making informed decisions. I am committed to continuously learning and staying informed about the issues that affect our community. I believe that a well-informed elected official is better equipped to serve the public effectively.
Compassion and empathy are qualities that I hold dear. I genuinely care about the well-being of the people I represent and strive to understand and address their needs. I am dedicated to being responsive and accessible to the concerns of my constituents.
Collaboration and compromise are essential for achieving meaningful outcomes. I am committed to working with others, even those with differing viewpoints, to find common ground and make progress. Working together can accomplish more than we can individually.
Public service is a calling that I take seriously. I am committed to putting the community’s needs above personal gain or political agendas. I believe that serving the public is a privilege and a responsibility, and I am dedicated to positively impacting the lives of the people I represent.
Jesse Thomas (R)
Recently retired as CEO of the Medicaid Segment at Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC where I was the lead executive of a strong RFP (Request For Proposal) response. This resulted in a statewide contract award achieving over 500,000 members and citizens across all 100 counties in NC and over $2.0 Billion in annual revenue. I was the day-to-day P&L leader and CEO - Healthy Blue, the healthcare plan. Also, I have a long and storied career with over 30 years of executive leadership; holding numerous other CEO and leadership positions across the country. And, I was a regulator through my service as the Chief Administrator, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ Office of Healthcare Purchasing (OHP).
Apart from my executive career, I have been involved in a great number of public and community service positions. Some of my most notable roles included candidate for the US Congress and alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention from Colorado. Later, I was the Health Policy Advisor for Michigan Republican Governor / Candidate Rick Snyder. I just completed my service on the: Board of Trustees, UNC-Pembroke; NC Child Board; NC American Indian Health Board; and as the Chairman, North Carolina Forward Party movement.
Chad Brown (R)
One of their key responsibilities is handling business services. They assist entrepreneurs in registering and filing their businesses, providing the necessary support and resources for success. Regulating securities protects investors and promotes a fair and secure financial market. And regarding trademarks and tradenames, the Secretary of State safeguards our state’s entrepreneurs’ creative ideas and innovations.
But it doesn't stop there. The Secretary of State also plays a vital role in ensuring fair elections and transparent campaign finance. They work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our democratic process, giving every voter a voice. Maintaining records related to land ownership and transactions provides the necessary information and resources for individuals and businesses.
In all of these responsibilities, the Secretary of State keeps the people’s interests at heart. They strive to create a business-friendly environment, prioritize consumer protection, and ensure that our elections are fair and transparent. With their dedication and commitment, the Secretary of State is truly a bridge between the government and the people, working to build a stronger and more connected North Carolina.
Chad Brown (R)
Jesse Thomas (R)
Chad Brown (R)
One such responsibility is the office's role in providing apostille and authentication services. This means that the Secretary of State's office certifies the authenticity of legal documents, such as birth certificates and educational transcripts, for international use. This is especially important for individuals who need to use these documents in other countries.
Another lesser-known responsibility is the regulation of charitable organizations and professional fundraisers. The Secretary of State's office ensures that these organizations comply with state laws when soliciting donations and registering as charitable entities. This helps protect donors and ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.
In addition, the office maintains records of land grants issued by the state. These land grants have historical significance and provide valuable information about land ownership in North Carolina, dating back to the colonial era.
The Secretary of State's office also plays a role in enforcing notary public regulations. In addition to granting notary commissions, the office investigates complaints and takes action against notaries who violate the law or ethical standards. This helps to maintain the integrity of notarial services and protect the public.
Lastly, the office regulates business opportunities, which are sales or leases of business ventures that require an initial investment. The Secretary of State's office ensures that business opportunity sellers comply with disclosure requirements and protects consumers from fraudulent or deceptive practices.
These lesser-known powers and responsibilities of the North Carolina Secretary of State's office are important for providing valuable services and protections to the people of North Carolina.
Chad Brown (R)
1. Knowledge of Government Processes: Prior experience provides a deeper understanding of how government processes work and the intricacies of bureaucracy. This knowledge enables the Secretary of State to navigate the system more effectively and efficiently.
2. Familiarity with Policy and Legislation: Experience in government or politics equips individuals with a solid foundation in understanding policy issues and the legislative process. This understanding allows the Secretary of State to advocate for policies that align with their goals and work collaboratively with lawmakers to implement them.
3. Established Relationships and Networks: Previous experience often means that the Secretary of State has cultivated relationships and built networks within the political landscape. These connections can be invaluable for collaborating with government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders to achieve common objectives.
4. Understanding of Political Dynamics: Government and politics are inherently political, and prior experience provides insight into the political dynamics at play. This understanding enables the Secretary of State to navigate the political landscape, build consensus, and effectively communicate their initiatives to various stakeholders.
5. Ability to Hit the Ground Running: With previous experience, the Secretary of State can start their term with a higher level of knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the office. This allows them to be more effective from the beginning and make a meaningful impact sooner.
Chad Brown (R)
2. Knowledge of Government Processes: A deep understanding of government processes, including administrative procedures and legal frameworks, is vital for the Secretary of State. This knowledge helps navigate bureaucratic systems, implement policies, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
3. Leadership and Management Skills: The Secretary of State oversees various departments and functions within the office. Strong leadership and management skills are necessary to effectively manage staff, set priorities, and ensure efficient operations.
4. Knowledge of Business and Economic Development: The Secretary of State supports businesses and economic development. Having a solid understanding of business principles, economic trends, and the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses is important for promoting economic growth and fostering a business-friendly environment.
5. Technology Proficiency: In today's digital age, proficiency in technology is essential for the Secretary of State. This includes knowledge of digital systems for business registration, online filing platforms, and data security practices. Keeping up with technological advancements ensures efficiency, accessibility, and security in the office's operations.
6. Commitment to Public Service: The Secretary of State is a public servant and should strongly commit to serving the people of North Carolina. This includes a dedication to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards.
These skills and expertise, combined with a passion for serving the people of North Carolina, can help the Secretary of State effectively fulfill the office’s role.
Chad Brown (R)
Campaign advertisements
This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.
Chad Brown
| February 6, 2024 |
| February 6, 2024 |
| February 6, 2024 |
View more ads here:
Jesse Thomas
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jesse Thomas while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
Christine Villaverde
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Christine Villaverde while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia researchers did not identify any candidate websites that provide endorsement information. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.
Election competitiveness
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. No polls were available for this election. To notify us of polls published in this election, please email us.
Election spending
Campaign finance
The tables below contain data from financial reports submitted to state agencies. The data is gathered and made available by Transparency USA. Transparency USA tracks loans separately from total contributions. View each candidates’ loan totals, if any, by clicking “View More” in the table below and learn more about this data here.
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[9][10][11]
If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.
Election context
Ballot access requirements
The table below details filing requirements for secretary of state candidates in North Carolina in the 2024 election cycle. Candidates from recognized political parties could file for election by either paying a filing fee or submitting petitions signed by registered party members. Independent candidates were required to both pay a filing fee and submit petitions. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in North Carolina, click here.
| Filing requirements for North Carolina Secretary of State candidates, 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Signatures required | Filing fee | Filing deadline | Source | ||
| Recognized party[12] (filing fee) | N/A | $1,683.84 | 12/15/2023 | Source | ||
| Recognized party[12] (petitions) | 10,000 | N/A | 12/11/2023 | Source | ||
| Independent | 83,188[13] | $1,683.84 | 3/5/2024 | 1 2 | ||
North Carolina Secretary of State election history
2020
General election
General election for North Carolina Secretary of State
Incumbent Elaine Marshall defeated E.C. Sykes in the general election for North Carolina Secretary of State on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Elaine Marshall (D) | 51.2 | 2,755,571 |
 | E.C. Sykes (R) | 48.8 | 2,630,559 | |
| Total votes: 5,386,130 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elaine Marshall advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Secretary of State.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State
E.C. Sykes defeated Chad Brown and Michael LaPaglia in the Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | E.C. Sykes | 42.9 | 296,457 |
| Chad Brown | 38.0 | 262,595 | |
 | Michael LaPaglia | 19.1 | 131,832 | |
| Total votes: 690,884 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
The general election for secretary of state was held on November 8, 2016.
Incumbent Elaine Marshall defeated Michael LaPaglia in the North Carolina secretary of state election.
| North Carolina Secretary of State, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Elaine Marshall Incumbent |
52.22% | 2,339,783 | |
| Republican | Michael LaPaglia | 47.78% | 2,141,132 | |
| Total Votes | 4,480,915 | |||
| Source: ABC11 | ||||
2012
Incumbent Elaine Marshall (D) successfully won re-election, defeating Ed Goodwin (R) in the November 6, 2012 general election.
| North Carolina Secretary of State General Election, 2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Elaine Marshall Incumbent |
53.8% | 2,331,173 | |
| Republican | Ed Goodwin | 46.2% | 2,003,026 | |
| Total Votes | 4,334,199 | |||
| Election results via NC State Board of Elections | ||||
Earlier results
To view the electoral history dating back to 2000 for the office of North Carolina Secretary of State, click [show] to expand the section. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2008
2004 On November 2, 2004, Elaine F. Marshall won re-election to the office of North Carolina Secretary of State. She defeated Jay Rao (R) in the general election.
2000 On November 7, 2000, Elaine Marshall won re-election to the office of North Carolina Secretary of State. She defeated Harris Durham Blake (R) in the general election.
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Election analysis
Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.
- Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
- Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
- State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
- Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.
Cook PVI by congressional district
| Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for North Carolina, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| District | Incumbent | Party | PVI |
| North Carolina's 1st | Donald Davis |  Democratic |
R+1 |
| North Carolina's 2nd | Deborah Ross | Democratic |
D+15 |
| North Carolina's 3rd | Gregory Murphy |  Republican |
R+11 |
| North Carolina's 4th | Valerie Foushee | Democratic |
D+21 |
| North Carolina's 5th | Virginia Foxx | Republican |
R+10 |
| North Carolina's 6th | Kathy Manning | Democratic |
R+11 |
| North Carolina's 7th | David Rouzer | Republican |
R+8 |
| North Carolina's 8th | Dan Bishop | Republican |
R+11 |
| North Carolina's 9th | Richard Hudson | Republican |
R+9 |
| North Carolina's 10th | Patrick McHenry | Republican |
R+10 |
| North Carolina's 11th | Chuck Edwards | Republican |
R+8 |
| North Carolina's 12th | Alma Adams | Democratic |
D+23 |
| North Carolina's 13th | Wiley Nickel | Democratic |
R+11 |
| North Carolina's 14th | Jeff Jackson | Democratic |
R+11 |
2020 presidential results by 2024 congressional district lines
| 2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2024 district lines, North Carolina[14] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District | Joe Biden 
|
Donald Trump
| ||
| North Carolina's 1st | 50.4% | 48.8% | ||
| North Carolina's 2nd | 66.9% | 31.5% | ||
| North Carolina's 3rd | 40.7% | 58.0% | ||
| North Carolina's 4th | 72.4% | 26.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 5th | 41.8% | 57.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 6th | 41.2% | 57.5% | ||
| North Carolina's 7th | 43.9% | 54.9% | ||
| North Carolina's 8th | 40.6% | 58.3% | ||
| North Carolina's 9th | 42.4% | 56.3% | ||
| North Carolina's 10th | 41.4% | 57.4% | ||
| North Carolina's 11th | 43.8% | 54.8% | ||
| North Carolina's 12th | 74.4% | 24.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 13th | 40.7% | 57.9% | ||
| North Carolina's 14th | 41.4% | 57.5% | ||
2012-2020
How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:
| County-level voting pattern categories | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Democratic | D | D | D | ||||
| Trending Democratic | R | D | D | ||||
| Battleground Democratic | D | R | D | ||||
| New Democratic | R | R | D | ||||
| Republican | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Republican | R | R | R | ||||
| Trending Republican | D | R | R | ||||
| Battleground Republican | R | D | R | ||||
| New Republican | D | D | R | ||||
Following the 2020 presidential election, 47.1% of North Carolinians lived in one of the state's 22 Solid Democratic counties, which voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 46.3% lived in one of 68 Solid Republican counties. Overall, North Carolina was Solid Republican, having voted for Mitt Romney (R) in 2012, Donald Trump (R) in 2016, and Donald Trump (R) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in North Carolina following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.
| North Carolina county-level statistics, 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Democratic | 22 | 47.1% | |||||
| Solid Republican | 68 | 46.3% | |||||
| Trending Republican | 6 | 2.7% | |||||
| New Democratic | 1 | 2.2% | |||||
| Battleground Democratic | 1 | 0.9% | |||||
| Trending Democratic | 1 | 0.5% | |||||
| New Republican | 1 | 0.3% | |||||
| Total voted Democratic | 25 | 50.7% | |||||
| Total voted Republican | 75 | 49.3% | |||||
Historical voting trends
North Carolina presidential election results (1900-2020)
- 18 Democratic wins
- 13 Republican wins
| Year | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1916 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1932 | 1936 | 1940 | 1944 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winning Party | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | R | R | R |
This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.
U.S. Senate elections
The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in North Carolina.
| U.S. Senate election results in North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2022 | 50.5% |
47.3%
|
| 2020 | 48.7% |
46.9%
|
| 2016 | 51.1% |
45.3%
|
| 2014 | 48.8% |
47.3%
|
| 2010 | 55.0% |
42.9%
|
| Average | 51.3 | 45.3 |
Gubernatorial elections
- See also: Governor of North Carolina
The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in North Carolina.
| Gubernatorial election results in North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2020 | 51.5% |
47.0%
|
| 2016 | 49.0% |
48.8%
|
| 2012 | 54.6% |
43.2%
|
| 2008 | 50.3% |
46.9%
|
| 2004 | 55.6% |
42.9%
|
| Average | 52.2 | 45.8 |
Congressional delegation
The table below displays the partisan composition of North Carolina's congressional delegation as of May 2024.
| Congressional Partisan Breakdown from North Carolina | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | U.S. Senate | U.S. House | Total |
| Democratic | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Republican | 2 | 10 | 12 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 14 | 16 |
State executive
The table below displays the officeholders in North Carolina's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.
| State executive officials in North Carolina, May 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Office | Officeholder |
| Governor | Roy Cooper
|
| Lieutenant Governor | Mark Robinson
|
| Secretary of State | Elaine Marshall
|
| Attorney General | Josh Stein
|
State legislature
North Carolina State Senate
| Party | As of February 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 20 | |
| Republican Party | 30 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 50 | |
North Carolina House of Representatives
| Party | As of February 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 48 | |
| Republican Party | 72 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 120 | |
Trifecta control
The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.
North Carolina Party Control: 1992-2024
Fourteen years of Democratic trifectas • Four years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
| Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| House | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
The table below details demographic data in North Carolina and compares it to the broader United States as of 2022.
| Demographic Data for North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | United States | |
| Population | 10,439,388 | 331,449,281 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 48,623 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 65% | 65.9% |
| Black/African American | 20.9% | 12.5% |
| Asian | 3.1% | 5.8% |
| Native American | 1% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Other (single race) | 4% | 6% |
| Multiple | 5.9% | 8.8% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 10% | 18.7% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 89.4% | 89.1% |
| College graduation rate | 33.9% | 34.3% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $66,186 | $75,149 |
| Persons below poverty level | 9.5% | 8.8% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2017-2022). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
2024 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This was a battleground election. Other 2024 battleground elections included:
- Nevada's 1st Congressional District election, 2024
- New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (September 10 Democratic primary)
- New Jersey's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)
See also
| North Carolina | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Sampson Independent, "Three Republicans vie to challenge Marshall," January 17, 2024
- ↑ Chad Brown campaign website, "About," accessed February 26, 2024
- ↑ Chad Brown campaign website, "Home page," accessed February 26, 2024
- ↑ Jesse Thomas campaign website, "Home page," accessed February 26, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted through Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on February 13, 2024.
- ↑ Christine Villaverde, "Home page," accessed February 26, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted through Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on January 30, 2024.
- ↑ OurCampaigns, "North Carolina Secretary of State - History," accessed February 26, 2024
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 As of the 2024 election, the recognized parties in North Carolina were the Democratic Party, Green Party, Libertarian Party, No Labels Party, and Republican Party.
- ↑ This must include at least 200 registered voters from three different congressional districts.
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2020, 2016, and 2012," accessed December 15, 2023
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