Democrats Break Republican Supermajority in North Carolina

Recent elections in North Carolina have resulted in Democrats breaking the Republicans' supermajority in the House of Representatives, following the certification of close races, including Democrat Bryan Cohn's victory over Republican Frank Sossamon by just 228 votes. This shift means Republicans will now hold 71 out of 120 House seats, falling short of the three-fifths majority required to override vetoes, which will empower newly elected Democratic Governor Josh Stein to block Republican legislation more effectively. In the Senate, Democrats secured wins for Terence Everitt and Woodson Bradley, preserving the GOP's one-vote supermajority but limiting their ability to override vetoes without support from House Democrats. Meanwhile, Virginia Democrats maintained control in critical state legislative races, successfully defending their majorities against Republican challenges, a crucial outcome as they prepare for upcoming statewide elections in 2025. The electoral landscape underscores the evolving political dynamics in both states as they gear up for significant contests in the near future.