Black turnout rises in early voting across North Carolina

Black voters in North Carolina are participating in early voting at a faster pace than in the past two midterm cycles, according to the Washington Examiner. More than 279,688 Black voters had cast a ballot as of Thursday, the Washington Examiner reported, citing data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. [1]

The increase in turnout comes after North Carolina redrew its congressional map in 2025 to create an additional Republican-leaning seat, the Washington Examiner reported. The surge in early voting provides an encouraging signal for Democrats as they attempt to retain a congressional district altered by state Republicans. [1]

The state has not elected a Democrat to the United States Senate since 2008, the New York Times reported. Former Governor Roy Cooper is campaigning for the Senate seat and recently rallied support one week into the early voting period, according to reports from the New York Times and NC Newsline. [3][4][7]

National political dynamics have also shifted in the state. NBC News reported that Republicans pulled back on-air spending for their Senate candidate, while Donald Trump acknowledged that Democrats are likely to win the seat. As FTMQ News reported earlier, President Trump recently held a midterm campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina. [2][12]