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North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

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2024
2016
Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: December 20, 2019
Primary: March 3, 2020
Primary runoff: June 23, 2020
General: November 3, 2020

Pre-election incumbent(s):
Dan Forest (R)
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 2020
Impact of term limits in 2020
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2020
North Carolina
executive elections
Governor

Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Labor
Commissioner of Insurance

Mark Robinson won the Republican primary for lieutenant governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020. A primary runoff was set to occur if no candidate won more than 30% of the vote and the second-place finisher called for a runoff.[1] Robinson received 32.5% of the vote on March 3 with all precincts reporting.

Term-limited incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Forest (R) ran for governor, leaving the office open.

The candidates highlighted education, the economy, and immigration in their platforms. For a list of campaign themes compiled from candidates' websites, click here. To view candidate responses to a Charlotte Observer questionnaire, click here.

In North Carolina, the lieutenant governor is the only elected official who has powers in both the legislative and executive branches of state government. The lieutenant governor's primary responsibility is to preside over the North Carolina Senate, but he or she can only cast a vote when the regular members are tied. The person holding the office is also the first to succeed an incapacitated governor either temporarily or permanently. The lieutenant governor is a member of the North Carolina Council of State, the North Carolina Board of Education, the North Carolina Capital Planning Commission, and the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges. He or she may be assigned other responsibilities at the governor's discretion.[2]

North Carolina is one of 17 states where the lieutenant governor is elected independently of the governor. Going into the 2020 election, North Carolina was one of three states where the governor and the lieutenant governor did not share the same party affiliation, along with Louisiana and Vermont. That status was at stake in the North Carolina general, as Democrats and Republicans competed for both offices.

In the 2016 general election, Forest (R) defeated Linda Coleman (D) 52% to 45%. In 2012, Forest defeated Coleman 50.1% to 49.9%. Walter Dalton (D) defeated Robert Pittenger (R) 51% to 46% in 2008.

This page focuses on North Carolina's Republican lieutenant gubernatorial primary. For more in-depth information on North Carolina's Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial primary and the general election, see the following pages:

Election procedure changes in 2020

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.

North Carolina modified its primary election process as follows:

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mark K. Robinson
Mark K. Robinson
 
32.5
 
240,843
Image of Andy Wells
Andy Wells
 
14.6
 
107,824
Image of Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson
 
12.0
 
89,200
John Ritter
 
11.5
 
85,023
Image of Renee Ellmers
Renee Ellmers
 
6.8
 
50,526
Image of Greg Gebhardt
Greg Gebhardt Candidate Connection
 
6.8
 
50,474
Image of Deborah Cochran
Deborah Cochran Candidate Connection
 
6.5
 
48,234
Image of Scott Stone
Scott Stone Candidate Connection
 
6.5
 
48,193
Buddy Bengel
 
2.8
 
20,395

Total votes: 740,712
Candidate Connection = 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.

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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[3] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.

Image of Deborah Cochran

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: Mayor, Mount Airy (2009-2015)

Submitted Biography "I am Deborah Cochran from Mount Airy, N.C. My mother supported the family working in a factory and my father was paralyzed and had seizures since age 16. I am the only one in her family to graduate high school and college and hold a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Gardner-Webb University and teaching license in Business & Marketing Information Technology from N.C. State University. Currently a business teacher in her 5th year at J.F. Kennedy High School in Winston-Salem and Future Business Leaders of America Adviser. I served as mayor of Mount Airy from 2009 to 2015. Prior to being elected mayor, I was City Commissioner for Mount Airy too. I have a proven conservative record of lowering property taxes, recruiting industry and standing up for citizens. I have broadcast experience in radio and taught 18 years part-time at a community college. I brings history and experience with an executive, legislative and educational background that make me specifically qualified. The Lt. Governor serves on the Board of Education and Community Colleges.I am a Notary Public since 1984 and have a Concealed Carry permit. I have an expansive background of Public Service and is a lifelong member of Salvation Army. I am blessed to have received Disabled American Award of Merit, National Association of University women, Altrusa International and General Federation of Republican Women for Community Service. "


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Economic Development & Job Growth for all counties


Educational Excellence and Trade Careers


Public Safety

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2020.

Image of Greg Gebhardt

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Greg grew up in a single-parent household in rural America where he learned the value of hard work as his mother worked three jobs to provide for him and his siblings. Greg's mother taught him to take great pride in an honest day's work; this led Greg to mow lawns, deliver newspapers on his bike, and work as a farmhand at a local dairy farm all from age 12. ​ After playing college football for a year, Greg felt a strong call to service and enlisted in the United States Army. During his enlistment, his commander encouraged him to consider West Point-he jumped at the opportunity to be the first in his family to earn a college degree. ​ Greg graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2006 and shortly after reported to the Home of the Airborne and Special Forces, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Today, Greg continues to serve the people of North Carolina as a Major in the North Carolina National Guard. ​ In his civilian life, Greg served as a policy advisor in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he worked to secure election integrity, helping craft the Voter ID legislation requiring folks to present photo identification when casting their votes."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Veterans


Vocational Trades


Voter ID

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2020.

Image of Scott Stone

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: North Carolina House of Representatives (2016-2018)

Submitted Biography "Scott Stone, a business leader and former member of NC House representing Mecklenburg County. Scott is an engineer with a degree in civil and environmental engineering, and an MBA in Finance. His two daughters are true North Carolina girls - one is currently at UNC Chapel Hill, and the other at NC State. Scott has been very active in the local community and is the president of American Engineering, a regional company which has been recently ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in Charlotte. He is the founder of the North Carolina Heroes Fund, a non-profit which has raised more than $1 million for North Carolina military families over the past decade. "


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Will work to ensuring that NC maintains its competitive tax climate and continues to reduce regulatory burdens.


Lead efforts to improve government efficiency by implementing business-minded solutions to government operations.


Ensure that all sheriffs cooperate with federal law enforcement including honoring ICE detainers.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2020.


Endorsements

This section lists endorsements issued in this election. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.


Republican primary endorsements
Endorsement Bengel Cochran Ellmers Gebhardt Johnson Ritter Robinson Stone Wells
Individuals
Former Mount Airy City Commissioner Teresa D. Lewis[4]
Organizations
Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund[5]


Campaign themes

The following campaign themes and policy positions were listed on the candidates' campaign websites in February 2020, if available.

Buddy Bengel

Economic Development & Job Creation:

Buddy would like to use his diverse business background to be a advocate for economic development and job creation across the state. We need to make sure we are running a small and efficient government that gets out of the way of business owners, entrepreneurs and those trying to better their lives. The office of Lt. Governor is a prime opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to become a salesman for the state of North Carolina. This is a great opportunity to have a representative of the state with a business background developing relationships with job creators and local governments to further economic prosperity across our state.

Personal Accountability:

There are many great workers in state government. Teachers, Highway Patrol Officers, Healthcare Officials, and thousands more. We need to support these important employees of the state, while holding them accountable. Government, like a business, must be responsible to its shareholders, or customers. In this case, it is responsible to the citizens of North Carolina. We need to work together to find ways we can become more efficient, and make sure we have the capabilities as a state to reorganize inefficient or bloated departments or remove employees that are not providing the excellent customer service our citizens deserve.

Veterans & Active Duty Military:

North Carolina is home to several key military installations and our veteran population is just over one million people. We have an enormous responsibility take care of those who are serving our country, and to make sure that when these heroes are done, they can continue to build a prosperous life. We need to embrace our veterans and work with them to create opportunities post service. Lastly, we need to work with our active-duty military service members and their families to make sure they are taken care of while they are stationed here in North Carolina or choose to live here permanently.

Education:

North Carolina has one of the most affordable and accessible university systems in the nation that help attract businesses to North Carolina. Keeping public and private colleges affordable will be a key priority for Buddy. We must also recognize that not everyone is ready to attend or wants to attend a four-year institution. North Carolina is home to one of the best community college systems in the country. As a business owner, Buddy understands the increase demand for a high-quality workforce. The community college system is a critical bridge to serve this needed workforce. We must also continue to invest in our K-12 system so that we have quality principals, teachers, and support staff. More testing and bureaucracy will not solve the problem. Creating a professional environment for teachers and allowing innovative techniques to educate our kids will help our schools thrive.[6]

—Buddy Bengel 2020 campaign website[7]


Deborah Cochran

VOICE

It is my goal to listen to the citizens of North Carolina with an open mind and heart. Sometimes it is difficult to hear people's needs, because of all the noise. I want you to know, I hear you. I want to be the VOICE for ALL of NC. I have your best interest at heart in all I do. This election is not about me. It is about YOU. I have created a page for teachers and plan to add others in the near future. I want to give our citizens an opportunity to engage on this site. It is impossible to meet every North Carolinian in the state, but there is no reason, with today's technology, I cannot create a space for your voice. It would be an honor to serve you over the next several years. I hope you will give me that opportunity.

VISION

My VISION is simple.

To serve the People of North Carolina with Purpose and Passion. ​​ People - We have more similarities than differences, even if we do not agree on how to accomplish a task. The task doesn't change, right? We must stop viewing people as groups and address them as individuals. When we can do that, we are on our way. May God help us in this endeavor. ​ Purpose - What is it that you love about North Carolina? I love that people want to live here. That says a great deal about our state. When we approach life with a purpose to help others and live life to bring our creator glory, we cannot fail. Denying ourselves for the greater good will always allow us to focus on the needs of others and not our personal desires. My worldview is Christian principles.

Passion - God created me with a passion for people. I try to see the good in everyone. Intuitively, each of us possess gifts and talents that make us who we are. Those characteristics when aligned with the right people and purpose, will create a passion that will not go unnoticed.

VALUES

My life has changed drastically since I was a child. I grew up economically disadvantaged. My father was paralyzed and my mother was a factory worker up until the mill closed. God allowed my struggle so that I might share it someday, I am certain! I am who I am because of my background. Being exceptionally poor can sometimes cloud our judgement.

Values mean everything. When people sacrifice their values for money, power, or fame, they sometimes lose sight of their purpose. I never want to forget my struggles, my successes, or my lifelong experiences. I believe in...

  • God
  • Hard work
  • Education
  • Giving
  • Sharing
  • Caring
  • Fairness
  • Honesty
  • Serving

​ I would appreciate the opportunity to serve you![6]

—Deborah Cochran 2020 campaign website[8]


Greg Gebhardt

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION:

As John Adams stated: “We are a nation of laws, not a nation of men.”

No one is above the law and the law applies equally to everyone. This is one of the founding principles that make America great. When laws are not enforced, anarchy ensues. We cannot compromise on our founding principles.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will advocate for common-sense legislation that enforces our immigration laws and affirms our commitment to being a nation of laws.

PRO-LIFE:

Infants are the purest and innocent among us. We believe that every human life has intrinsic value and needs to be protected.

Many secular Americans today deny the human right to life with the despicable practice of abortion. This is a wound, and the People of North Carolina need healing.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will fight to protect the sanctity of human life, ensuring that all children get to experience the beauty of life as a North Carolinian.

2A RIGHTS:

I believe that this country and this Great State belong to the People, our citizens. The Framers of our Constitution provided the right to bear arms, to ensure protection against government tyranny.

The greatest danger to our freedoms is a government that disregards our Constitution. Abandoning the Constitution and its principles is a slippery slope.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will defend your Second Amendment right to bear arms. As a lifelong member of the NRA and a concealed carry permit holder, I will fight against any policy which infringes on this right.

PRO-GROWTH, FIGHTING SOCIALISM:

North Carolina should be a land of opportunity where everyone can reach their God-given potential. This is best realized by advocating for entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and reducing regulatory and tax burdens.

We must continue to improve economic opportunity and fight against the Left's Socialist Agenda.

As your Lieutenant Governor, our focus on economic growth through free-market capitalism will result in a healthy, vibrant, and growing North Carolina.

HEALTHCARE:

As the husband of an advanced practice nurse, I know that access to care is more important today than ever. The delivery of healthcare and the relationship between patient and provider.

The increased influence of government in healthcare should be concerning to all of us. As a patient of the VA healthcare system, I am well aware of how poorly Big Government manages healthcare – Long waits and diminished quality of care.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will champion policies that empower both patient and provider, while limiting the involvement of government.

EDUCATION:

As a former PTA President and substitute teacher, I know that education is fundamental to developing individual potential and leveling the playing field for all people, regardless of their background. Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed.

To improve the quality of education, we must provide choices to students and parents, and make more decisions at the local level.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I will advocate for adequate resources for teachers and students and work to keep school choice in the hands of parents.

Veterans:

As an Iraq War Veteran and a current Major in the North Carolina National Guard, Greg knows how important it is to take care of our veterans. We need to do more for our veterans. Specifically, we need to make retirement income for veterans in North Carolina tax-free. We are 1 of only 8 states that do nothing for veterans in terms of their retirement pay. The great men and women of our military sacrifice their lives in defense of our country, we need to do better by them.

Vocational Trades:

As a former PTA President and substitute teacher, Greg knows that education is fundamental to developing individual potential and leveling the playing field for all people, regardless of their background. Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed. They need to know the value of certification from North Carolina's Community College System, which is the best in the nation. A focus on vocational trades will ensure that our children grow up to be productive, taxpaying citizens. Our high schools can open programs for students to become certified plumbers, HVAC technicians, Nursing Assistants, electricians, and much more. We need to grow these opportunities.

Voter ID:

As a policy advisor in the North Carolina General Assembly, Greg worked on the original Voter ID bill in 2013. We believe that our constitutional requirement to provide photographic identification for voting is fundamental to the security and integrity of our elections. Currently, 35 states have a Voter ID law on the books and here in North Carolina back in 2018, 82% of our counties demanded Voter ID become a part of our Constitution. Voter ID in North Carolina is about making sure that every individual who presents him or herself to vote are in fact whom they say they are and that cumulatively, it is these votes—and ONLY these votes—that determine the outcome of our elections. We will work every day to ensure that Voter ID is enshrined in our constitution and upheld by our courts.

If you believe in this vision for North Carolina, we encourage you to Join Team Greg today.[6]

—Greg Gebhardt 2020 campaign website[9]


John Ritter

EDUCATION

We have a foundation in our public schools on which to build and improve. Public education is important to our state's success. Students should be given opportunity to find their way into potential careers. Vocational and technical education in high schools and community colleges will be of particular importance in the next twenty years as the job market will demand a skilled workforce of individuals who can get things done. The North Carolina Community College System is a powerful economic resource for our state and must be utilized to its fullest potential. BETTER Schools, STRONGER Workforce, BRIGHTER Future.

INFRASTRUCTURE

North Carolina always must keep an eye toward our infrastructure. Economic development and job creation depend on solid public utilities, roads, and overall infrastructure. We should be prudent in our spending and careful in our approach, while realizing we must maintain this great network. BETTER Infrastructure, STRONGER Economy, BRIGHTER Future.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Everything we do should be with the rights of taxpayers in mind. We do not want to spend more money, just spend it more wisely. There is always room for improvement in that regard. BETTER Budgeting, STRONGER Results, BRIGHTER Future.[6]

—John Ritter 2020 campaign website[10]


Mark Robinson

2nd Amendment

Mark has been a fierce fighter for the 2nd Amendment, as was seen in his Greensboro City Council speech. Since then he has continued to stand for the 2nd Amendment, serving on the national outreach board for the NRA.


Pro- Life

Mark grew up as the 9th of 10 siblings. In poverty, and with an abusive alcoholic father, he ended up in foster care. The radical left believes stories like his should not exist because low income families should abort their babies. As a Christian, Mark will stand for life.


Education

Mark believes our children are the future of our great state, and in order for them to succeed, they must have a good education. Whether that’s through programs at a community college, pursuing a 4 year degree, or attending a trade school, the next generations must be educated to thrive, and Mark will do everything he can to ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity for an education that will allow them to succeed.


Jobs

Mark knows what it’s like for NAFTA to gut wages and take jobs, he experienced that himself. He also knows what it’s like for his employer to leave him jobless when the company moved to Mexico. He will fight for workers across North Carolina to make sure they have jobs to support their families.


Immigration

Mark will always affirm and congratulate those who come here legally. However, he does not support those who illegally come across the border. It is a crime to do so, and should be treated as such.


Veterans

As a veteran, Mark will fight for those who have given themselves to serve this country. Our veterans deserve to be taken care of, and Mark will not simply talk about getting results, he will do it.


Economy

As someone that has owned a small business, Mark understands less taxes and regulations means business owners can hire more employees and invest more into their communities.[6]
—Mark Robinson 2020 campaign website[11]


Scott Stone

Reduced Regulations and Taxes

As a member of the Republican led legislature, Scott has helped lead the fight in reducing corporate and personal income tax rates, including providing a tax cut to working families. The reductions in tax rates and burdensome regulations has made us more competitive with surrounding states and has helped position North Carolina as the #1 state for business. We must continue tax policies which ensure our competitiveness.

Standup Against Sanctuary Sheriffs

Our local and state law enforcement officers do a tremendous job protecting our families. Unfortunately, there are seven sheriffs out of 100 in North Carolina who choose to ignore the law and refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement. These “Sanctuary Sheriffs” must be compelled to honor ICE detainers and follow their oaths of office. Scott has been leading the fight on this issue.

Defend the Constitution Against Government Overreach

Governor Cooper and the Democrats in the General Assembly are trying to push North Carolina further left. We must continue to defend the 2nd Amendment and fight the judges who legislate from the bench on issues like Voter ID. Scott has a proven track record on these issues and has been endorsed by the NRA in past elections.

Defend Life

Governor Cooper vetoed common sense legislation known as the “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” This shows how far to the left he and the Democratic leaders in the General Assembly are willing to go appease their base. We must continue to honor life and resist the continued attempts to move North Carolina to the left.

Prioritize Investment in Infrastructure

There are $40 billion in identified – but still unfunded – road construction needs. North Carolina continues to experience significant population and traffic growth throughout the state and that growth must be followed by expanded infrastructure.

Competitive Jobs Environment

We need to keep a focus on job recruitment and retention. A competitive business environment, coupled with a great quality of life and the nation’s best workforce, will keep more companies relocating and expanding across North Carolina. While there are continued successes in the largest urban centers, we must work equally hard to expand opportunities in the rural parts of our state. Continuing to expand high speed broadband internet and critical infrastructure – such as water & sewer and interstate quality roads – to all areas of the state are necessities to a successful statewide program.

Prioritize Spending

Continue to focus spending on key budget items which are core state government functions. Transportation, education, and public safety are the areas of highest priority for public dollars. Too often politicians of both parties are desperate to “fix problems” but it is as important to stay focused to ensure state money is being spent only on what are state responsibilities.

Support Law Enforcement

Our law enforcement officers at all levels need to know that their elected leaders support them. Scott has had a strong and consistent record of supporting our state and federal law enforcement community.[6]

—Scott Stone 2020 campaign website[12]


Andy Wells

Welcome! I currently serve in State Senate District 42. To keep our economy strong and create jobs we must address our broken politics. My focus is to promote private sector job creation and economic development, as well as reducing government spending and simplify government regulations.[6]

—Andy Wells 2020 campaign website[13]


Campaign advertisements

This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.

Buddy Bengal

"Buddy for Lt Governor of North Carolina" - Bengal campaign ad, released June 3, 2019


Renee Ellmers

"Renee Ellmers for Lt. Governor Announcement" - Ellmers campaign ad, released March 28, 2019


Greg Gebhardt

"Join Team Greg" - Gebhardt campaign ad, released February 1, 2020


Andy Wells

"Stop Sanctuary Sheriffs" - Wells campaign ad, released January 10, 2020
"$700 Million Surplus" - Wells campaign ad, released July 8, 2019
"Stop The Sanctuary Sheriffs" - Wells campaign ad, released July 8, 2019


Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

If you are aware of polls conducted in this race, please email us.


Satellite spending

Satellite spending, commonly referred to as outside 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.[14][15][16]

This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.


Interviews and questionnaires

Charlotte Observer questionnaire

On February 24, 2020, the Charlotte Observer released the results of a questionnaire that included all nine Republican candidates.[17] Click on the questions below to see how the candidates responded.

Primaries in North Carolina

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. North Carolina utilizes a semi-closed primary system. Parties decide who may vote in their respective primaries. Voters may choose a primary ballot without impacting their unaffiliated status.[18][19]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Runoff elections in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a primary election candidate for congressional, state, or county office must receive more than 30% of the vote to be declared the winner. If no candidate reaches this threshold, and if the second-place finisher requests a runoff, a runoff election is held.[20]

As of 2020, Democracy North Carolina stated the following:

You may not vote in the Primary Runoff (also called the Second Primary) unless you were registered at the time of the original Primary, even if you didn’t vote in the Primary.

If you are registered as an Unaffiliated voter and want to vote in a partisan Primary, you can ask for a Republican, Democratic, Libertarian or Nonpartisan ballot. Your choice does not change your Unaffiliated status or obligate you to vote for a party’s candidates in the General Election. However, if there is a Primary Runoff, you can only participate in the Runoff of the same party that you selected in the original Primary."[21][6]


District election history

2016

See also: North Carolina Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

The general election for lieutenant governor was held on November 8, 2016.

Incumbent Dan Forest defeated Linda Coleman and Jacki Cole in the North Carolina lieutenant governor election.

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Dan Forest Incumbent 51.87% 2,370,028
     Democratic Linda Coleman 45.28% 2,068,741
     Libertarian Jacki Cole 2.85% 130,236
Total Votes 4,569,005
Source: ABC11


State profile

Demographic data for North Carolina
 North CarolinaU.S.
Total population:10,035,186316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):48,6183,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:69.5%73.6%
Black/African American:21.5%12.6%
Asian:2.5%5.1%
Native American:1.2%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.1%0.2%
Two or more:2.4%3%
Hispanic/Latino:8.8%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:85.8%86.7%
College graduation rate:28.4%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$46,868$53,889
Persons below poverty level:20.5%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in North Carolina.
**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.

Presidential voting pattern

See also: Presidential voting trends in North Carolina

North Carolina voted Republican in six out of the seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.

Pivot Counties (2016)

Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, six are located in North Carolina, accounting for 2.91 percent of the total pivot counties.[22]

Pivot Counties (2020)

In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. North Carolina had six Retained Pivot Counties, 3.31 percent of all Retained Pivot Counties.

More North Carolina coverage on Ballotpedia

See also

North Carolina State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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North Carolina State Executive Offices
North Carolina State Legislature
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Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes

  1. NCSL, "Primary Runoffs," accessed February 26, 2020
  2. Office of Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, "Office of Lieutenant Governor," accessed February 27, 2020
  3. Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
  4. Deborah Cochran 2020 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed February 26, 2020
  5. Grass Roots North Carolina, "2020 Candidate Recommendations," accessed February 26, 2020
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 6.25 6.26 6.27 6.28 6.29 6.30 6.31 6.32 6.33 6.34 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  7. Buddy Bengel 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 26, 2020
  8. Deborah Cochran 2020 campaign website, "Platform," accessed February 26, 2020
  9. Greg Gebhardt 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 26, 2020
  10. John Ritter 2020 campaign website, "Platform," accessed February 26, 2020
  11. Mark Robinson 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 26, 2020
  12. Scott Stone 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 26, 2020
  13. Andy Wells 2020 campaign website, "Welcome," accessed February 26, 2020
  14. OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
  15. OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
  16. National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
  17. 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 17.13 17.14 17.15 17.16 17.17 17.18 17.19 17.20 17.21 17.22 17.23 17.24 17.25 17.26 17.27 The Charlotte Observer, "What primary candidates for statewide office say they want to do for North Carolina," accessed February 26, 2020
  18. National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed October 7, 2024
  19. North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Election Information," accessed October 7, 2024
  20. FindLaw, "North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 163A. Elections and Ethics Enforcement Act § 163A-984. Determination of primary results;  second primaries," accessed September 11, 2019
  21. NC-Voter, "Voting in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions," accessed July 10, 2020
  22. The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.