North Carolina Governor Josh Stein acknowledged on Wednesday, November 4, that he did not expect the magnitude of the Democratic victories in the midterm elections, whose preliminary results point to a change in control of the General Assembly.
“There were dozens of contests that surprised me, because I didn’t anticipate the extent to which voters wanted so much change,” Stein responded to Enlace Latino NC during a press conference in front of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh.
Stein explained that, although he knew there was frustration among voters, evident in the polls, the results exceeded his expectations.
“I thought there was a slightly greater than 50% chance that the Democrats would control the House of Representatives of the General Assembly,” he said.
“Did I think they would get 71 or 72 seats? I never thought that was possible,” he added.
The results point to a Democratic majority in the state House of Representatives. In the Senate, a narrow Republican majority. With these changes, Stein seeks to advance his priorities, including reducing the cost of living, strengthening public safety, and investing in the state's residents.
The governor argued that the results reflect a desire for greater political balance and for representatives to work together.
A historic change in the General Assembly
Preliminary results indicate that Democrats will win 70 or 71 of the 120 seats in the House of Representatives, compared to 48 Republicans and one unaffiliated legislator.
If confirmed, the Democrats would regain control of that agency for the first time since 2010.
In the Senate, Republicans held a narrow majority of 26 to 24 seats. Some races are still subject to possible recounts.
The new legislative makeup could strengthen Stein's position by making it harder for Republicans to override her vetoes.
During his first two years in office, several vetoes were overridden by the Republican majority with the help of some Democrats.For example, the HB 318 immigration bill, which increases collaboration between marshals and ICE.
Stein also expressed his support for the creation of an independent commission to establish the limits of the electoral districtsCurrently, this responsibility rests with the General Assembly.
In October 2025, Republican lawmakers approved a new electoral map designed to favor his party in the 2026 elections. Although Stein criticized the measure, he could not veto it, since the North Carolina Constitution excludes electoral redistricting from the governor's veto power.
The Democratic victories contrasted with the approval of three constitutional amendments sponsored by Republican lawmakers. Each approved with nearly 60% of the vote.
Stein said that if lawmakers reduce the property tax, as permitted by one of the amendments, it would have negative consequences for local government finances. Republican leaders who support the measure argue that local governments can fund their expenses in other ways.
Stein is committed to collaboration
Stein said he will work with lawmakers from both parties to advance his administration's priorities for the remainder of his term.
“Voters rightly expect their elected officials to work together to achieve results,” the governor told reporters.
The change in majorities will also bring new legislative leadership. Democrat Robert Reives, the current minority leader in the House of Representatives, announced that he will seek to become Speaker of the House in January. Currently, that position is held by republican Destin Hall.
There will also be a new president in the Senate pro tempore, due to the departure of Republican Phil Berger, who lost his party's primaries.
“I will work with whoever is elected to lead each of the legislative chambers, because we have to work together,” Stein said. “North Carolina voters want a government that works for them.”
During the conference, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the state's economic growth. He also said he would advocate for more federal reconstruction funds for Hurricane Helene.
“I want to make sure we maintain that momentum so that more people can feel the real and tangible benefits of this economic growth,” he said.
However, Stein did not detail any new legislative proposals or how he would finance his priorities.
Related: Jess Rivera makes history as the first Latina elected to the North Carolina Senate
What will happen now?
The election results anticipate a transformation in state political power. However, the new composition of the General Assembly will not come into effect until January 2027.
Until then, Republicans will retain their current legislative majorities. This would allow them to convene sessions before the end of the year.
Stein believes it is “not necessary” for lawmakers to reconvene during this period. However, if they do return, she urged them to heed the voters' message.
“They must learn the lesson from last night’s election: put aside political maneuvering and focus on the issues that really matter,” he said.
The election results open the possibility of a new relationship between the governor and the General Assembly. The extent of that change will depend on the agreements reached by both parties.
>>> Official information about the For election results, visit the NCSBE website.
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