NC Senate race undecided as Democrats surge in 2026 midterms

Polls in Guilford County closed at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ending a day of voting that included residents of Greensboro, High Point, and Burlington. The general election featured a contested open seat for the U.S. Senate, with no incumbent running for the position. Parties on the ballot included the Democratic, Green, Libertarian, and Republican parties. Voters also had the opportunity to select candidates for every U.S. House seat in the state, as well as state and local offices that vary by county.

Voters were given a window of 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to cast their ballots. The state encouraged citizens to use vote.gov to locate their specific polling place. While the election day logistics were standard for North Carolina, the outcome of the day has set the stage for a significant shift in national politics. The state’s participation in the midterm elections contributed to a broader national trend where Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress.

According to election data compiled by Ballotpedia, Democrats won at least 43 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This included 42 seats previously held by Republicans and one seat previously held by an independent. The party also captured seven U.S. Senate seats, all of which were previously held by Republicans. As of 4:00 p.m. on November 6, Democrats hold a majority of at least 250 to 157 in the House and 54 to 44 in the Senate.

The net loss of at least seven Senate seats for the Republican Party places this election cycle within the top 20% of election years in terms of seat swings against the president’s party. This threshold is commonly defined as a wave election. While the U.S. House has not yet reached the specific numerical mark for a wave, the Republican net loss of 42 House seats is close to the 48 seats needed to qualify. Uncalled races may still alter these totals in the coming days.

Statewide, Democrats won a plurality of state government trifectas and state legislative chambers. This marks the first time since before the 2010 elections that the party has held a majority of governorships. In 44 of the 46 states where trifecta offices were on the ballot, status was decided as of November 6. The results showed 20 Democratic trifectas, 16 Republican trifectas, and eight divided governments. Eleven states changed their status, with six moving from divided governments to Democratic trifectas and five moving from Republican trifectas to divided governments.

In North Carolina, the specific results for the state’s legislative and executive offices are part of this broader national realignment. The state saw elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, State House, State Supreme Court, intermediate appellate courts, school boards, municipal government, and ballot measures. The open Senate seat in North Carolina remains one of the key races under close scrutiny as officials continue to certify results.

The election also included a statewide ballot measure known as the Property Tax Levy Limit Amendment. This measure sought to require the state legislature to pass laws limiting the amount that property taxes can be raised. The inclusion of this measure on the ballot allowed voters to directly influence state fiscal policy alongside the selection of their representatives.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the results by announcing a major transition in his White House staff. He stated that he has offered the job of White House press secretary to UFC boss Dana White. Trump posted on social media that he made the offer to White, describing him as a violent fighter and warrior. The president requested that White bring along several UFC fighters as assistants to defend the administration against what he termed the Lunatic Left.

The White House did not immediately confirm the offer on Saturday. White was in London for a boxing event at the time of the announcement. A spokesperson for the UFC did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. This shake-up follows the departure of Susie Wiles, who was replaced by Stephen Miller as chief of staff. Miller is known for his role in the administration’s hard-line immigration policies. The press secretary position had been vacant since Karoline Leavitt left at the end of August.

In a separate development, First Lady Melania Trump announced a multimillion dollar partnership between Louisiana State University and her Fostering the Future program. The initiative provides scholarships for students who came through the foster care system. The partnership secured more than $7 million in private donations to create an endowment fund. The first lady stated that the program aims to give young people from foster care an anchor of stability and a strong educational foundation.

The election results in North Carolina and across the nation signal a significant shift in the balance of power. With Democrats holding the majority in both chambers of Congress, the coming legislative sessions will likely see increased scrutiny of executive actions. The open Senate seat in North Carolina remains a focal point for both parties as the final certification of votes continues in the state’s 100 counties.

Voters in Greensboro, High Point, and Burlington can monitor the final results through official state channels. The election day process, including the use of vote.gov to find polling places, served as a practical guide for millions of citizens. The Postal Service played a role in the delivery of mail ballots, which were counted alongside in-person votes. The specific outcomes for local offices in Guilford County will be finalized as county boards of election complete their certification processes.

The 2026 midterm elections have resulted in a new configuration of power in Washington and state capitols across the country. The Democratic gains in the House and Senate provide the party with a legislative agenda to advance in the second half of President Trump’s term. The open seat in North Carolina’s Senate race will be a critical test for the new congressional majority as they navigate the coming year.