RALEIGH, N.C. — More than 71% of new voter registrations in North Carolina over the past week were unaffiliated, continuing a long-term trend that has reshaped the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle. Updated data from the State Board of Elections shows 4,015 new registrations, with 2,952 choosing no party affiliation. Republicans gained 278 new voters, while Democrats added 242.
Unaffiliated voters now make up 38.7% of the state’s 7.6 million registered voters, well ahead of both Democrats and Republicans, each holding roughly 30.3%. The gap between the two major parties has narrowed dramatically — Democrats lead Republicans by just 3,122 voters, a difference of 0.04%.
Candidate filing for the 2026 election cycle opened Monday, following an off-year municipal election season in which 91 counties held local contests. Total voter registrations peaked above 7.8 million in 2024, with routine maintenance reducing the rolls since then.
North Carolina’s partisan landscape has shifted significantly over the past two decades. Once dominated by Democrats in statewide offices and the General Assembly, the state is now politically competitive, with Republicans holding legislative majorities and the Council of State split 5–5. Historical data shows Democrats controlled overwhelming majorities in both chambers through much of the 20th century, but the rise of unaffiliated voters has altered traditional coalitions.
Officials say the rapid growth of unaffiliated voters underscores North Carolina’s battleground status heading into 2026.
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Sources:
• The Center Square – MBFC Rating
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