Democrats are projected to have won enough seats in the House to break the Republican supermajority in the state legislature.
That would restore meaningful veto power for incoming Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
"Tonight marks a monumental shift in the balance of power in North Carolina and is a testament to the DLCC's work alongside many partners and allies to challenge unchecked Republican power in the state," said Heather Williams, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee president. "Republicans have wielded their toxic supermajorities to enact an extreme agenda - including an egregious abortion ban that was wildly out of step. That unchecked GOP power ends today with Gov.-elect Josh Stein and an incoming Democratic caucus that can sustain his vetoes of extreme Republican overreach. Newly elected Democrats will play a key role in holding Republicans accountable as we work together to eventually overcome the egregious gerrymandering and other structural barriers to true representation in North Carolina."
Despite that shift in power, Republicans maintained a supermajority in the state Senate.
"I can confidently say Republicans will retain a supermajority in the Senate and will hold a strong majority in the House," said Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. "I'm thankful for the men and women who put their names forward and ran for office. Senate Republicans had an incredible slate of candidates and they're going to represent their constituents well."
Berger said the results affirm voters' "faith in Republicans to guide the state."
"Our platform of low taxes, job creation, quality education, and educational freedom spoke to North Carolinians then. Now, the voters are returning Republican majorities to the legislature for the eighth consecutive election," Berger added. "Republicans in the General Assembly will continue to honor that platform and work tirelessly for all North Carolinians. As we prepare for the upcoming biennium, at the top of our minds is supporting western North Carolina as the recovery process continues."