THE NORTH CAROLINA FLYOVER – For the first time in modern North Carolina history, Republicans have surpassed Democrats in voter registrations. As of Jan. 3, state data show 2,315,067 registered Republicans compared to 2,312,990 Democrats—a narrow lead of 2,077 voters.
Total registered voters stand at 7,655,591, with unaffiliated voters remaining the largest group at 2,976,558. Minor parties include 46,608 Libertarians and 4,368 Greens.
Experts describe the shift as a gradual realignment driven by declining Democratic numbers, steady Republican growth, population influx, and the rapid rise of unaffiliated voters, who overtook Republicans in 2017 and Democrats in 2022.
The change reflects evolving battleground dynamics ahead of the 2026 elections.