Sweeping gains give Republicans control of North Carolina's state legislature
November 5, 2010
By Greg Janetka
RALEIGH, North Carolina: On Tuesday North Carolina voters handed over control of the state Senate and House to Republicans, giving them a clear majority in each chamber. North Carolina was one of six states that saw both chambers switch from Democratic to Republican hands, the others being Alabama, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.
In the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama won North Carolina with 49.9% of the popular vote.[1] That same year saw Democrat Beverly Perdue win the election for Governor of North Carolina. As the state did not hold a gubernatorial election in 2010, Perdue will have to contend with this new balance of power when both chambers reconvene in January.
Ballotpedia ranked the North Carolina legislative elections as 19th in overall electoral competitiveness, and regarded both chambers as "Toss ups" in a projection of probable electoral outcomes. The Republican win could have far reaching consequences on future GOP control of the legislature, as the General Assembly will redraw voting districts for the next 10 years.[2]
Senate
All of North Carolina's 50 senate districts were up in 2010. Republicans gained 11 seats, including six from incumbent Democrats and 5 in districts where the incumbent Democrat chose not to run for re-election. Republicans have not held a majority in the state Senate since 1870.[2]
| North Carolina State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 1, 2010 | After the 2010 Election | |
| Democratic Party | 30 | 19 | |
| Republican Party | 20 | 31 | |
| Total | 50 | 50 | |
The following incumbent Democrats were defeated by Republicans:
- District 5: Donald Davis
- District 11: A. B. Swindell
- District 19: Margaret Dickson
- District 24: Tony Foriest
- District 45: Steve Goss
- District 47: Joe Sam Queen
House
North Carolina'a 120 House districts were all up for grabs in 2010. Republicans gained 15 seats, including 12 from incumbent Democrats and 3 in districts where the incumbent Democrat chose not to run for re-election.
| North Carolina House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 1, 2010 | After the 2010 Election | |
| Democratic Party | 68 | 52 | |
| Republican Party | 52 | 67 | |
| Independent | - | 1 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 | |
The following incumbent Democrats were defeated by Republicans:
- District 3: Alice Underhill
- District 6: Arthur Williams
- District 10: Van Braxton
- District 25: Randy Stewart
- District 41: Chris Heagarty
- District 46: Douglas Yongue
- District 49: John May (North Carolina)
- District 51: Jimmy Love, Sr.
- District 77: Lorene Coates
- District 81: Hugh Holliman
- District 93: Cullie Tarleton
- District 116: Jane Whilden
One incumbent Democrat, Nelson Cole, lost to Independent Bert Jones.
Footnotes
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