North Carolina Democrats Seize Control of Congressional Seats
Five districts flipped from red to blue in the state, matching California for the most gains in the 2026 midterms.
By Riya Zhao ·
North Carolina Democrats flipped five congressional seats from Republican control during last week's midterm elections. This result ties the state with California for the most district gains by a single party in the country. Three races in the state remain uncalled, leaving the possibility for additional Democratic wins.
The shift occurred in districts where President Trump won by at least nine points in 2024. Former Governor Roy Cooper won the state's top ticket race by nearly 20 points over Michael Whatley. This victory happened despite a 2025 redistricting effort by Republicans that aimed to expand their majority from 10 to 11 seats.
Republican incumbent Rep. David Rouzer leads his Democratic challenger by roughly 2,500 votes in the 7th District. Razor-thin margins separate incumbents Greg Murphy and Virginia Foxx from their challengers in the 3rd and 5th Districts. Democratic Rep. Don Davis held the 1st District by three points against a targeted Republican challenge.
Kian Sadjadi, executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party, attributed the results to a surge in turnout among young male voters. He noted that unaffiliated and inconsistent voters also moved heavily toward Democrats. Sadjadi stated that turnout increased in every county except for a couple across the state.
The party now holds a majority of the state's congressional seats and has a newly elected senator. Sadjadi said the 2028 presidential race will remain competitive, describing North Carolina as a true battleground. He emphasized that the party must continue to fight as if trailing rather than assuming victory.
House Republicans elected Rep. Jim Jordan as their next minority leader following the election losses. Jordan defeated Steve Scalise in a secret ballot vote that ended 106 to 73. Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, pitched his oversight experience as a tool to handle new investigations into the Trump administration.
Senate Republicans re-elected their current leadership slate, keeping John Thune as minority leader. In the Senate Democratic caucus, Bernie Sanders said he will not support Chuck Schumer for majority leader. Elissa Slotkin called for a new generation of leadership without naming a specific challenger. Chris Van Hollen said he is actively listening to colleagues about a potential run.
