As expected, the Democratic Party gained some seats in the North Carolina General Assembly in Tuesday’s election – but not enough to overcome the GOP’s veto-proof majority in either house.

It was a foregone conclusion that Republicans would retain their majorities in the State House and Senate; the GOP entered Tuesday’s election with a 77-43 advantage in the House and a 33-17 edge in the Senate, and very few of those 170 total districts were competitive in this cycle. (Many candidates ran unopposed.) But Democrats were hoping to gain enough seats to end the Republican veto-proof “supermajority”: as long as the GOP holds more than 60 percent of the seats in both houses, a united party can override any gubernatorial veto.

According to the State Board of Elections, Democrats did pick up three net seats in the House to cut the GOP’s advantage to 74-46 – but they needed at least three more gains to overcome the supermajority. In the Senate, Democrats actually dropped one seat, giving Republicans a 34-16 edge.

Related Stories
‹
PPP: Dems Up In NC Early Voting, But It Ain't Over
More Democrats take advantage of early voting than Republicans - so the Democratic candidates' lead isn't too indicative.
2014: Gains For Dems In NC?
PPP director Tom Jensen says Democrats could pick up enough NCGA seats to end the GOP's veto-proof majority.
North Carolina Revenue Predictions Fall with Recession Risk
State officials have lowered anticipated revenue collection, largely over rising economic uncertainty and the risks of a U.S. recession.
Meyer: Vouchers Back on Agenda in Raleigh, But Budget Crisis Looms
State Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) discusses lawmakers' return to session in Raleigh to tackle vouchers and other funding matters.
What to Expect (and Not Expect) in the General Assembly Short Session
Immigration, education, marijuana, childcare, open records: which bills will pass the General Assembly this year? Sen. Graig Meyer weighs in.
Meyer: 'Closest We've Been to Medicaid Expansion Ever'
State Rep. Graig Meyer weighs in on the status of Medicaid expansion, abortion rights, offshore wind development, and more.
Governor Cooper's Vetoes May Be Remembered Most in 2019
Many of North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s lasting achievements in 2019 stem from keeping Republican policies from ever getting implemented. During a year-end interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Cooper cited successes in recruiting companies and jobs to the state, reducing the number of opioid deaths and moving the state toward cleaner energy […]
State House To Vote Monday On Budget Veto Override
Republicans do not appear to have enough votes to override Gov. Cooper's veto, unless more Democrats split with their party.
Democrat Wins NC's Last Contested Legislative Race
Republicans will hold a 65-55 majority in the NC House beginning next year - not enough of a majority to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes.
NC Lawmakers Propose Wide Range Of Voter IDs
The proposal would allow voters to use several forms of ID, including state university IDs and a new photo ID that elections boards would offer free.
›