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    North Carolina gubernatorial election, 2020

    From Ballotpedia - Reading time: 37 min


    ← 2016
    Governor of North Carolina
    Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
    Democratic primary
    Republican primary
    General election
    Election details
    Filing deadline: December 20, 2019
    Primary: March 3, 2020
    Primary runoff: June 23, 2020
    General: November 3, 2020
    Pre-election incumbent(s):
    Gov. Roy Cooper (D)
    How to vote
    Poll times: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    Voting in North Carolina
    Race ratings
    Cook Political Report: Likely Democratic
    Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
    Inside Elections: Lean Democratic
    Ballotpedia analysis
    Federal and state primary competitiveness
    State executive elections in 2020
    Impact of term limits in 2020
    State government trifectas and triplexes
    Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2020
    North Carolina
    executive elections
    Governor

    Lieutenant Governor
    Attorney General
    Secretary of State
    Treasurer
    Superintendent of Public Instruction
    Auditor
    Commissioner of Agriculture
    Commissioner of Labor
    Commissioner of Insurance

    Incumbent Roy Cooper (D) defeated Dan Forest (R), Al Pisano (C), and Steven DiFiore II (L) in the election for governor in North Carolina on November 3, 2020.

    Cooper was elected in 2016 after defeating incumbent Pat McCrory (R). Cooper received 49.0% of the vote to McCrory's 48.8%. Forest, the state's lieutenant governor, was first elected in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016 with 52% of the vote to Democrat Linda Coleman's 45%.

    Seventeen states elect governors and lieutenant governors separately. North Carolina was, at the time of the election, one of three with a governor and lieutenant governor from different parties (along with Louisiana and Vermont).[1]

    North Carolina was, at the time of the election, one of eight states that both voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 and had a Democratic governor. In 2016, Trump received 50% of the vote to Hillary Clinton's (D) 46% in the state.

    North Carolina was also one of 14 states with a divided government. Democrats held the governorship and Republicans controlled both the state House of Representatives and state Senate. In the 2020 elections, Democrats needed to flip 10% of state Senate seats and 5% of state House seats to take control of each chamber.

    North Carolina was one of 11 states that held an election for governor in 2020. At the time of the election, there were 24 Democratic governors and 26 Republican governors. In 2020, seven of the 26 states with a Republican governor held a gubernatorial election, while four of the 24 states with a Democratic governor held a gubernatorial election. Two of the 11 offices up for election were open, meaning that the incumbent governor was not seeking re-election. Click here for more information on other 2020 gubernatorial elections.
    Democratic Party For more information about the Democratic primary, click here.
    Republican Party For more information about the Republican primary, click here.

    This election was a battleground race. Other 2020 battlegrounds included:

    Election procedure changes in 2020[edit]

    See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

    Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.

    North Carolina modified its absentee/mail-in voting and early voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

    • Absentee/mail-in voting: The witness signature requirement on completed absentee ballots decreased from two to one. The receipt deadline was extended to 5 p.m. on November 12, 2020, for ballots postmarked on or before Election Day.
    • Early voting: Early voting sites were required to be open for at least 10 hours on the weekends of October 17-18, 2020, and October 24-25, 2020. Counties had to open at least one early voting site per 20,000 registered voters.

    For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

    Explore Election Results site ad border blue.png

    Candidates and results[edit]

    General election
    General election for Governor of North Carolina

    Incumbent Roy Cooper defeated Dan Forest, Steven DiFiore II, and Al Pisano in the general election for Governor of North Carolina on November 3, 2020.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Roy_Cooper.jpg

    		Roy Cooper (D)
     
    51.5
     
    		2,834,790

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/142cd048bbd7ae13a43c2f37dd017e01_400x400.jpeg

    		Dan Forest (R)
     
    47.0
     
    		2,586,605

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StevenDiFioreII2.jpg

    		Steven DiFiore II (L) Candidate Connection
     
    1.1
     
    		60,449

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Al_Pisano1.jpeg

    		Al Pisano (Constitution Party) Candidate Connection
     
    0.4
     
    		20,934

    Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 5,502,778
    Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.
    Democratic primary election
    Democratic primary for Governor of North Carolina

    Incumbent Roy Cooper defeated Ernest Reeves in the Democratic primary for Governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Roy_Cooper.jpg

    		Roy Cooper
     
    87.2
     
    		1,128,829

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ernest_Reeves.jpg

    		Ernest Reeves
     
    12.8
     
    		165,804

    Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 1,294,633

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.
    Republican primary election
    Republican primary for Governor of North Carolina

    Dan Forest defeated Holly Grange in the Republican primary for Governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/142cd048bbd7ae13a43c2f37dd017e01_400x400.jpeg

    		Dan Forest
     
    89.0
     
    		698,077

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Holly_Grange.jpg

    		Holly Grange
     
    11.0
     
    		86,714

    There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 784,791

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.


    Candidate profiles[edit]

    This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[2] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.

    Roy Cooper

    Image of Roy Cooper

    WebsiteFacebookTwitter

    Party: Democratic Party

    Incumbent: Yes

    Political Office: 

    Biography:  Cooper received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Cooper worked as an attorney and was a member of the North Carolinians for Community Colleges board of directors. He also taught continuing legal education and Sunday school.

    Key Messages

    Cooper said he was working to rebuild the economy and to expand Medicaid amid the coronavirus pandemic. He criticized Forest's opposition to Medicaid expansion.

    Cooper said his record included creating jobs, implementing a plan to fight climate change, repealing HB2, and raising teacher pay.

    Cooper's campaign ads said Forest was holding dangerous campaign events during the pandemic.

    Sources: Roy Cooper's 2020 campaign website, "Meet Roy," accessed October 12, 2020; YouTube, "Roy Cooper's Videos," accessed October 12, 2020; Vote Smart, "Roy Cooper III's Biography," accessed October 12, 2020

    This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of North Carolina in 2020

    Dan Forest

    Image of Dan Forest

    Facebook

    Party: Republican Party

    Incumbent: No

    Political Office: 

    Lieutenant governor of North Carolina (Assumed office: 2013)

    Biography:  Forest received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte College of Architecture. He was a senior partner of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting.

    Key Messages

    Forest said he had a plan to reopen schools and businesses while keeping people safe amid the coronavirus pandemic, and he criticized restrictions Cooper implemented.

    Forest said he would stand with law enforcement and restore law and order.

    Forest said he advocated for policies that created jobs, drove economic growth, and spurred innovation. 

    Sources: Dan Forest's 2020 campaign website, "About," accessed October 12, 2020; YouTube, "Dan Forest, Videos," accessed October 12, 2020; Vote Smart, "Dan Forest's Biography," accessed October 12, 2020

    This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of North Carolina in 2020

    Steven DiFiore II

    Image of Steven DiFiore II

    WebsiteFacebookTwitter

    Party: Libertarian Party

    Incumbent: No

    Political Office: None

    Submitted Biography:  "I've lived in North Carolina since 2004 when I moved here at the age of 18. My first home was in Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast but I later moved to Charlotte to attend UNCC. I live in Charlotte to this day. I am proud to call N.C. my home and believe there is no better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am confident with good leadership we can ensure our state continues to grow and improve. I joined the Libertarian Party in 2008 because I felt the establishment politics of Team Red and Team Blue were not in the best interests of the people. As a local Libertarian Party member and advocate I am motivated to change the status quo and help foster a more community based set of solutions to address the issues facing our state and local communities."

    Key Messages

    The messages below are the candidate’s own.

    The students and parents of our state deserve an education system that will work for them. We have an obligation to provide greater equality of opportunity for working families of limited means. Everyone in our state deserves the chance to enjoy a high quality education.

    Healthcare costs have been skyrocketing for years. We need to knock down the barriers our lawmakers have put in place that keep our medical costs high. Certificate of Need (CON) laws need to be repealed immediately. This will allow small and individual healthcare providers the opportunity to provide low cost quality care to the people of North Carolina.

    The lives and livelihoods of countless people have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic and our government's response to it. Small businesses, in particular, are in dire need of relief. We owe it to those businesses and their employees to remove as many burdens as possible while this health crisis persists. This includes a moratorium on paying property taxes or licensing fees to the state while a government mandated shutdown is in effect.

    This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of North Carolina in 2020

    Al Pisano

    Image of Al Pisano

    WebsiteFacebookTwitter

    Party: Constitution Party

    Incumbent: No

    Political Office: None

    Submitted Biography:  "My name is Al Pisano and I was born and raised in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. I attended college at Western Carolina University. In 1987, I graduated Cum Laude earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. After a few years of living in various places all over the country, I returned back to North Carolina. I then embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and walked over 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains down to the Outer banks. In 1990, I was hired by the Charlotte Police Department. I held multiple roles on the police force and retired after 28 years of being a public servant. In 1999, I found the Constitution Party and became the Chairmen in 2008. I have served in that role ever since. In 2018, I was able to help my party get validation from The State Board of Elections to run as a third party on the ballot. I am running for the office of Governor in North Carolina on November 3rd, 2020."

    Key Messages

    The messages below are the candidate’s own.

    Principles over Politics

    The Solution is the Constitution

    Swing Away

    This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of North Carolina in 2020

    Polls[edit]

    See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
    North Carolina gubernatorial election, 2020: General election polls
    Poll Date Democratic Party Cooper Republican Party Forest Undecided/Other Margin of error Sample size Sponsor
    SSRS Oct. 23-30, 2020 52% 42% 5%[3] ± 4.0 901 CNN
    North State Journal/Cardinal Point Analytics Oct. 27-28, 2020 47% 45% 8%[4] ± 3.6 750 --
    Marist Oct. 25-28, 2020 59% 40% 1% ± 4.7 800 NBC News
    Siena College/New York Times Oct. 23-27, 2020 51% 42% 6%[5] ± 3.7 1,034 --
    SurveyUSA Oct. 23-26, 2020 53% 42% 6%[6] ± 4.9[7] 627 WRAL-TV

    Campaign finance[edit]

    Noteworthy endorsements[edit]

    This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes links to endorsement lists published on campaign websites, if available. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.


    Noteworthy endorsements
    Endorsement Cooper (D) Forest (R)
    Newspapers and editorials
    Raleigh News & Observer editorial board[18] ✔
    The Charlotte Post editorial board[19] ✔
    The Charlotte Observer editorial board[20] ✔
    Elected officials
    President Donald Trump (R)[21] ✔
    Vice President Mike Pence (R)[22] ✔
    Individuals
    Former President Barack Obama (D)[23] ✔

    Timeline[edit]

    2020[edit]

    Campaign ads[edit]

    This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.

    Democratic Party Roy Cooper[edit]

    Supporting Cooper

    "Something Good" - Cooper campaign ad, released October 27, 2020
    "Rebuilt" - Cooper campaign ad, released October 7, 2020
    "Do Better" - Cooper campaign ad, released September 28, 2020
    "Grace" - Cooper campaign ad, released September 16, 2020
    "God's Work" - Cooper campaign ad, released August 26, 2020
    "Without Fear" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 30, 2020
    "Commitment" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 14, 2020
    "Running for Governor 2020" - Cooper campaign ad, released December 8, 2019

    Opposing Forest

    "Show Up" - Cooper campaign ad, released September 22, 2020
    "Get You Sick" - Cooper campaign ad, released September 14, 2020
    "Don't Go" - Cooper campaign ad, released August 24, 2020
    "Indoors" - Cooper campaign ad, released August 4, 2020
    "Hardly Working" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 27, 2020
    "Response" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 20, 2020
    "Wrong" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 14, 2020
    "Dan Forest: Too Extreme for North Carolina" - Cooper campaign ad, released July 10, 2020
    "What Else is Dan Forest Hiding?" - Cooper campaign ad, released March 4, 2020

    Republican Party Dan Forest[edit]

    Supporting Forest

    "Dan Forest in Asheville" - Forest campaign ad, released October 5, 2020
    "It's time to move North Carolina forward" - Forest campaign ad, released October 1, 2020
    "Law & Order for North Carolina" - Forest campaign ad, released September 17, 2020
    "School Choice for North Carolina" - Forest campaign ad, released September 14, 2020
    "Missed Memories (captions)" - Forest campaign ad, released September 2, 2020
    "Children with Special Needs need to be in School" - Forest campaign ad, released September 2, 2020
    "Open Our Schools" - Forest campaign ad, released September 2, 2020
    "The Simple Truth Radio Ad" - Forest campaign ad, released August 11, 2020
    "Dan Forest for Governor" - Forest campaign ad, released July 23, 2020
    "A Governor for the People" - Forest campaign ad, released April 20, 2020
    "Faith" - Forest campaign ad, released April 20, 2020
    "Alice Forest" - Forest campaign ad, released February 5, 2020
    "My dad is running for Governor" - Forest campaign ad, released January 28, 2020
    "Sheriffs endorse Dan Forest for Governor" - Forest campaign ad, released January 15, 2020
    "Statewide Radio Ad - Rule of Law" - Forest campaign ad, released September 18, 2019
    "You Have My Word" - Forest campaign ad, released September 9, 2019
    "I Believe" - Forest campaign ad, released August 18, 2019
    "I Am" - Forest campaign ad, released August 15, 2019
    "Optimist" - Forest campaign ad, released August 15, 2019

    Opposing Cooper

    "Team Forest on Black Lives Matter" - Forest campaign ad, released October 25, 2020
    "North Carolina is still closed." - Forest campaign ad, released August 28, 2020
    "Dan Forest for Governor" - Forest campaign ad, released January 1, 2020

    Satellite group ads[edit]

    Opposing Cooper

    "Incompetent" - Republican Governors Association ad, released September 18, 2020
    "How Liberal" - Republican Governors Association ad, released September 18, 2020

    Campaign themes[edit]

    See also: Campaign themes

    Democratic Party Roy Cooper[edit]

    Cooper’s campaign website stated the following:

    “
    • Accomplishments
    As governor of North Carolina, Roy has fought for good-paying jobs, strong public schools, access to quality, affordable health care, and a safer and more just North Carolina.
    Roy has announced tens of thousands of new jobs across North Carolina, including in North Carolina’s rural and economically distressed counties. He has also created initiatives such as NC Job Ready, Finish Line Grants, and Hometown Strong.
    Governor Cooper worked with members of both parties to repeal HB2 to fight discrimination and repair the damage to North Carolina’s economy and reputation. His leadership put North Carolina back on a path to success and opened the door for thousands of new jobs and the return of concerts, shows, and major athletic events such as the NBA All-Star Game.
    He has also issued Executive Orders prohibiting workplace discrimination and establishing paid parental leave for 56,000 state employees, and launched a Clean Energy Plan to create good-paying jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and fight climate change.
    From his first day in office, Roy has fought for better teacher pay and funding for our classrooms. He has pushed the Republican legislature to go much farther than it wanted to go resulting in a 9.5% teacher raise since he took office and an improvement in the national rankings. Under his leadership, North Carolina has expanded pre-kindergarten programs and re-established the Teaching Fellows Program to recruit and support highly qualified teachers in North Carolina.
    Roy has worked across party lines to combat the opioid crisis in North Carolina. He launched the state’s first Opioid Action Plan in 2017 and, as a result, opioid prescriptions have dropped by 24 percent, emergency room visits for opioid misuse have declined by 10 percent and opioid related deaths have decreased by 5 percent. He also serves on the national Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.
    Roy has fought tirelessly for Medicaid expansion that would extend coverage to half a million people, including families and veterans, without additional state tax dollars. Medicaid expansion would also bring tens of thousands of jobs to North Carolina, reduce the cost of private health insurance and keep rural hospitals from closing their doors.
    Together with the most diverse and qualified cabinet in the history of the state, Roy has fought for a safer and more just Carolina. He issued an Executive Order to make North Carolina the first state in the south to ban state funding to any organization that engages in conversion therapy, a scientifically dubious and dangerous practice that is harmful to the LGBTQ community.
    He has also led our state through devastating hurricanes and floods, saving lives and helping to invest more than $3.2 billion in recovery to rebuild our state stronger and smarter.
    In 2000, Roy was elected Attorney General. As North Carolina’s top law enforcement official, Roy protected families across the state. He cracked down on child predators, worked to increase penalties for drug dealers, and oversaw a sharp (30%) decrease in crime. Roy also prioritized consumer protection, and fought to keep utility rates low, putting predatory lenders out of business and cracking down on telemarketers.
    Roy is a die-hard Carolina Hurricanes and North Carolina Tar Heels fan.[32]
    		 ”
    —Roy Cooper’s campaign website (2020)[33]


    Republican Party Dan Forest[edit]

    Forest’s campaign website stated the following:

    “
    • Defending the Second Amendment
    Dan Forest believes the Second Amendment secures all the rights enshrined in our Constitution. He stands with the North Carolina counties that are affirming our right to keep and bear arms.
    When he is Governor, this right will never be in jeopardy in our state.
    Dan Forest is proudly endorsed by:
    • NRA
    • Gun Owners of America
    • Grassroots North Carolina
    • Defending Life
    Dan Forest believes we have a human dignity problem in America. He believes in the dignity of all life — the newborn, the unborn, the elderly, the orphaned, and the disabled. He is proud to be pro-life, affirming that all people are created in the image of God and all people deserve the same protection.
    Dan Forest is proudly endorsed by:
    • National Right to Life
    • Susan B. Anthony List
    • FRC Action
    • NC Values Coalition
    • Combating Illegal Immigration
    There is a distinct difference between immigration and illegal immigration. We need a system in place that makes it easier for legal immigrants, and businesses in need of workers, to navigate a guest worker program. A nation that can’t protect its borders isn’t much of a nation at all. In North Carolina, a handful of Democrat sheriffs are allowing dangerous, criminal, unlawful illegal aliens to be released back into our communities — putting our families in danger.
    As Governor, Dan Forest will uphold the law and work with our law enforcement to keep you and your family safe.
    • Raising Teacher Pay
    Dan Forest has championed higher teacher pay since elected. The Republican General Assembly has done a great job providing raises over the past six years and will continue to do so. No other state in the country has addressed teacher pay six years in a row. Average teacher pay in NC is now $58,000 and the average compensation is $78,000. Another pay raise was in the budget that the Governor wouldn’t sign.
    • Improving Healthcare
    As Governor, Dan Forest will focus on providing better healthcare access for patients by incentivizing doctors to practice in our rural communities. He’ll work with the General Assembly and the State Treasurer to ensure more price transparency so citizens know how much prescription drugs and vital health services cost. And he’ll fight to get those left in the coverage gap created by the Affordable Care Act on affordable private insurance.
    • Ending Human Trafficking
    Dan Forest is a leader in our state’s fight against human trafficking. As Lt. Governor, he championed legislation that protects vulnerable women and children and gives harsher penalties to those guilty of engaging in human trafficking. This legislation:
    • Quadrupled jail time for convicted traffickers.
    • Provided training to health care workers to identify victims.
    • Expanded the jurisdiction of the SBI in trafficking cases.
    • Required the posting of human trafficking awareness signs in public places to display the national hotline.
    In 2019, the Lt. Governor’s work to combat human trafficking was formally recognized by the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission and the Safe House Project. As Governor, Dan will continue to build on these achievements to ensure our women and children are kept safe.
    • Protecting Free Speech
    Dan Forest believes that the First Amendment protections of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition are key to making America great.
    He championed a law that extends this commitment to college campuses in our state, ensuring that all students are free to speak their minds without fear of violence or retribution.
    • Improving Coastal Fishing
    When Dan Forest is Governor, he will work together with every stakeholder in coastal fishing and will build a consensus that has been lacking over the last decades. That is what a leader does.
    We will work together to solve the issues that have torn apart commercial, recreational, and charter fishers. We will have a thriving and profitable commercial fishing industry. We will have the best recreational fishing environment on the east coast. Our charter fishermen will have record profits.
    We will start by totally revamping the Marine Fisheries Commission and ensuring that there is equal geographic representation on the Commission and equal interest representation — including commercial, recreational, and charter fishing interests. Consensus will become not only a goal but a reality when the new Marine Fisheries Commission begins its work.
    North Carolina has some of the best coastal fishery resources in the country, and by building consensus — where everyone has a seat at the table — we will make coastal fishing in North Carolina great again.
    • Protect the Elderly in Nursing Homes
    North Carolina’s nursing home residents make up less than 1% of our state’s population, but more than 50% of the deaths from COVID-19. This simply didn’t have to happen. While other states took extraordinary steps to help this vulnerable population, Gov. Cooper did nothing to protect them. As Governor, Dan Forest will put the health and safety of our most vulnerable first. Instead of rushing to close bars, gyms, and restaurants, he put our efforts where they will matter most.[32]
    		 ”
    —Dan Forest’s campaign website (2020)[34]


    Libertarian Party Steven DiFiore II[edit]

    DiFiore’s campaign website stated the following:

    “
    • Education
    North Carolina’s K-12 public education system wastes money, frustrates teachers, and prevents choices for parents of limited means. With 40% of the state’s annual budget dedicated to K-12 public education, the problem certainly does not stem from funding shortfalls. Our fellow North Carolinians deserve better. We owe it to ourselves to improve efficiency, remove barriers for teachers, and give parents more choice.
    Steven’s Solution has three parts:
    1. Raising the cap on charter schools will provide options for parents who want to send their child to a public school. The traditional neighborhood public school model isn’t going anywhere. More than 80% of public school attendees go to a traditional public school. However, the popularity of charter schools as viable alternatives cannot be denied. We have an opportunity to grow and develop a school system that provides more choices for students, parents, and educators alike.
    2. Continuing to fund and expand North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program. Expanding the voucher option will help working families that may not be able to homeschool or afford private schools. Families in North Carolina deserve a wide variety of options so they can choose which best suites their individual situation. Our state’s Opportunity Scholarship Program gives parents an option to educate their children when they previously may not have had a choice.
    3. Promote and expand both vocational education and trade school opportunities in North Carolina. There is still value in a college degree, the increasing costs of higher education is a challenge to many families. Some may want other options to avoid the substantial debt that often coincides with a degree. This increase in cost is largely due to factors outside of the state’s control. However, as our economy expands and diversifies we can promote education options that help develop a diverse workforce. In recent years, a skilled labor shortage has slowed down needed growth in both our urban centers and rural communities. North Carolina needs more electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, crane operators, etc. We owe it to the next generation to provide opportunities for meaningful and gainful employment.
    • Healthcare
    We owe it to our fellow North Carolinians to make healthcare accessible and affordable. We can do this by removing barriers put in place that protect entrenched interests at the expense of consumers and healthcare innovators.
    Reform or Repeal Certificate of Need (CON) Laws:
    Certificate of Need laws are a major example of a bad state regulation. They protect those in power at the expense of innovation and those who need affordable and quality medical care.
    CONs require healthcare providers, such as independent doctors, to prove that there is a public need for additional health services. Before they are allowed to buy a major piece of equipment, like an MRI machine, they must petition for permission. CONs prevent doctors from innovating to bring down the cost of care. Being able to innovate and compete would reduce the cost of medical care like MRI services. CONs perversely make needed care more expensive than it would be otherwise.
    Focus on Mental Healthcare
    Addressing Mental Health and the stigma associated with it is is a key challenge. A Focus on promoting a better mental healthcare system, even a spending focus, would pay dividends in the long run. The mind is just as important as the body. A robust mental health system will ensure that many have an opportunity to live a productive life. Any state subsides toward mental health will need to be independent of bureaucrats. One option is a focus on cash subsidies for the patient. By allowing them to seek individualized care, funds will more effectively be spent where it is needed most. Politicians, administrators, and bureaucrats shouldn’t get to decide what services and care are available to those in need.
    • Housing and Zoning
    As North Carolina grows it become a more desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. As we grow many of our cities are faced with a shortfall in available housing. Construction often does not keep pace with demand and the results are increased housing costs in cities across the state. Better legislation will make it easier for cities, towns, and counties across the state to build and zone “missing middle” housing. Bond and Tax increases are often the only tools available to local governments when addressing housing shortages. More autonomous municipalities and counties will allow for better solutions to be developed at the local level.
    To this end, the following statement from the Obama White House in 2016 rings truer than ever, –“Over the past three decades, local barriers to housing development have intensified, particularly in high-growth metropolitan areas increasingly fueling the national economy. The accumulation of such barriers – including zoning, other land use regulations, and lengthy development approval processes – have reduced the ability of many housing markets to respond to growing demand. The growing severity of under-supplied housing markets ins jeopardizing housing affordability for working families, increasing income inequality by reducing less-skilled workers’ access to high-wage labor markets, and stifling GDP growth by driving labor migration away from the most productive regions. By modernizing their approaches to housing development regulation, state and localities can restrain unchecked housing cost growth, protect homeowners, and strengthen their economies.”–
    We ought to have confidence in our local communities, municipalities, and counties. They have the tools and skills needed to tailor solutions that are best for their unique circumstances. They only need not fear reprisal from state lawmakers in Raleigh. As Governor Steven will be an advocate for local governments.
    • Reform North Carolina ABC
    North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is in desperate need of reform. As a state run monopoly the ABC oversees the sale of liquor, is responsible for licensing, and regulates members of the alcoholic beverage industry. The ABC has failed to keep pace with the rate of innovation and growth in the brewing and distilling industry.
    Currently, the ABC succeeds at maximizing cost, minimizing convenience, and inhibiting commerce. Privatizing the ABC will introduce the cost saving benefits of the open market. It will allow us to work towards reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.
    Comprehensive and meaningful reform will take an act of the legislature. Steven in eager to work with the General Assembly to bring the ABC into the 21st century and away from the current model of centralized control. We owe it to our small business owners, restaurants, bars, and clubs to provide a better system.[32]
    		 ”
    —Steven DiFiore’s campaign website (2020)[35]


    Independent_American_Party Al Pisano[edit]

    Pisano’s campaign website stated the following:

    “
    • Education
    The North Carolina Constitution declares that education shall be provided for in our State. (ARTICLE I DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Sec. 15. Education. The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right. NORTH CAROLINA STATE CONSTITUTION).
    During this campaign, you will hear how other candidates claim they are “The Education Candidate”. As voters of North Carolina you need to understand what the governor’s constitutional role is. The role of the Governor of North Carolina, as far as education goes, is a very limited role. The governor can make appointments of up to eleven persons to sit on the State Board of Education. The North Carolina State Constitution is very clear on this. (Article IX sec.4 ,NORTH CAROLINA STATE CONSTITUTION ).
    If I am elected, I will appoint citizens to the State Board of Education who understand and believe that the objective of education is to educate the populace. I believe that there needs to be a vigorous pursuit for alternative means of education. We live in a large and diverse state and a “one size fits all“ approach is an antiquated way of thinking when it comes to North Carolina’s education system. Charter Schools, private schools, trade schools, and homeschooling should all play a much larger part in this system . The formula for public education seems to be based on the philosophy that simply spending more money equals a top-quality education, and that simply is not the case. North Carolina spends 58% of its budget on education; 40% is specifically spent on K-12 Education.
    I believe that we must look at two primary factors when discussing and planning our education system. First, what is the objective purpose for the education system and is that objective being met? Second, liberty always. Parents should have the right to determine the course that they believe is the best one for themselves and their children. Any system that deprives ”We the People” is in a state of conflict with liberty. In other words, are we achieving the goals of educating the populace or not ? Is achieving those goals infringing upon our liberties? Simply funding a bureaucracy that takes 40% of the State budget does not automatically equate to North Carolinians receiving a top-quality education.
    I believe that education needs to be managed closest to home. All who have a vested interest - parents, taxpayers and local school boards - should determine how their school district needs to function. The State Board of Education needs to have less control over local authority. I acknowledge that there are many variables to North Carolina’s education system. Not all problems can be solved in a paragraph. However, I believe that working together we can, and should, do better.
    • Taxation
    Often times, taxation can cause anger and frustration. I understand that some individuals believe in a philosophy that taxation is theft. The reality is, however, that in order for a civilized society to be sustained, government is required and revenue is needed to fund that government.
    We need to address several questions concerning this topic. First, how much government do we want and how much are we willing to pay in taxes to fund it? Second, what will be the revenue stream to fund the government? Third, which government programs fall within the constitutional duties of the state government and which do not. Those that do not should not be included in the State budget for funding.
    Personal Income Tax: I believe that taxing one’s wages is immoral. I propose that North Carolina reduce or eliminate taxing personal income or wages. The state government needs to look at other options for revenue sources and take a more in-depth look at spending cuts.
    Business Tax: I believe North Carolina should be a business-friendly state. Having business owners move their businesses to North Carolina can only be beneficial. The backbone of North Carolina’s economy is the small business owner. The past trend has been to grant tax incentives to top corporations in order to draw businesses to North Carolina. However, I believe these tax incentives prove to be unfair to businesses that already are established and are employing North Carolinians currently. Using tax incentives in that way is, in effect, allowing the government to pick winners and losers in the business realm. In a free-market economy, it is not the government’s role to pick and choose winners. Government's role should be to develop and implement policies that allows all businesses to have the same tax rate and incentives. If the government provides a low tax rate and incentives to corporations and small businesses equally, then commerce will continue to thrive in a free market economy.
    • Mechanic's Labor Tax: I believe that the Mechanics Labor Tax should be eliminated. Taxing one’s labor is an insult to the laborer themselves. Government should not capitalize on a craftsman’s trade by taxing their labor. Implementing taxes on a business only leads to the business incurring more expenses, thus forcing the business owners to raise the cost of goods and/or services to their customers.
    • Healthcare
    I believe that the government's role needs to be limited in the area of health care. If health care is left primarily to the free market, health care costs would lower. People tend to be most concerned about the affordability of healthcare services. We primarily maintain a single pattern of health care. I trust that if given the choice and education, people would find alternative medical practices offering treatments that are safe, effective, less invasive, and more affordable. Wellness program incentives are a start, but promoting alternative forms of health care maintenance is also an avenue that should be encouraged.
    Implementing laws that require physicians to provide proof of need in order to be allowed to obtain specific medical equipment is erroneous and needs to be eliminated. Government mandates often hinder physicians from providing safe, quality health care. Government's role should be to allow healthcare freedom of choice to providers as well as patients. I believe that the government has an obligation in providing health care for the general population to a degree. This authority is granted to the State by the North Carolina State Constitution under Article XI, Sec. 3. Article V Sec. 8 of the North Carolina State Constitution details how financing of Health facilities, either governmental or private non-profit, are to be financed. I would like to see more quality hospitals that specialize in trauma, cardiac, and stroke care being established throughout the state that are quickly accessible to all counties and areas. I am a strong advocate for the opening and maintaining of quality community health clinics. Clinic physicians and physician groups should be given more freedom in order to open good-quality clinics in the community. I believe that the state should allow insurance policies to be transferred from state to state in order to permit individuals to purchase what best fits their needs and budget. Never should a free person be forced by government to purchase any product, and this includes health insurance.
    • Transportation and Highway
    I am against the use of taxpayer funded toll roads, especially when private companies are permitted to profit from the roads.
    • Second Amendment
    I am pro Second Amendment and an advocate for Constitutional Carry. I am opposed to the concept of Red Flag Laws that criminalizes mental illness, leads to the confiscation of one’s firearms, and revokes an individual’s second amendment right without due process. These actions go against the very concept of being an American with protected rights.[32]
    		 ”
    —Al Pisano’s campaign website (2020)[36]


    Ballot access requirements[edit]

    The table below details filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates in North Carolina in the 2020 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in North Carolina, click here.

    Filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates, 2020
    State Office Party Signatures required Signature formula Filing fee Filing fee formula Filing deadline Source
    North Carolina Governor Qualified party N/A N/A $1,510.00 1% of annual salary 12/20/2019 Source
    North Carolina Governor Unaffiliated 71,545 1.5% of total votes cast for governor in the last election $1,510.00 1% of annual salary 3/3/2020 Source

    Past elections[edit]

    2016[edit]

    General election[edit]

    Roy Cooper defeated incumbent Pat McCrory and Lon Cecil in the North Carolina governor election.
    North Carolina Governor, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Roy Cooper 49.02% 2,309,190
         Republican Pat McCrory Incumbent 48.80% 2,298,927
         Libertarian Lon Cecil 2.19% 102,986
    Total Votes 4,711,103
    Source: North Carolina Secretary of State

    Primary election results[edit]

    North Carolina Governor Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngRoy Cooper 68.7% 710,658
    Ken Spaulding 31.3% 323,774
    Total Votes 1,034,432
    Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections.
    North Carolina Governor Republican Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngPat McCrory Incumbent 81.7% 876,885
    C. Robert Brawley 10.6% 113,638
    Charles Kenneth Moss 7.7% 82,132
    Total Votes 1,072,655
    Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections.

    2012[edit]

    See also: North Carolina gubernatorial election, 2012
    Governor of North Carolina General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Walter Dalton 43.2% 1,931,580
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPat McCrory 54.6% 2,440,707
         Libertarian Barbara Howe 2.1% 94,652
         Write-in Various 0% 1,356
    Total Votes 4,468,295
    Election results via NC State Board of Elections



    About the office[edit]

    Governor[edit]

    Main article: Governor of North Carolina

    The governor of the State of North Carolina is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch, and the occupant of the highest state office in North Carolina. The governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two consecutive terms. The 75th and current governor of North Carolina is Roy Cooper (D). He was first elected in 2016.

    Prior to the November 2016 general elections, North Carolina was one of 23 Republican state government trifectas.

    See also: North Carolina State Legislature, North Carolina House of Representatives, North Carolina State Senate

    State profile[edit]

    USA North Carolina location map.svg
    Demographic data for North Carolina
     North CarolinaU.S.
    Total population:10,035,186316,515,021
    Land area (sq mi):48,6183,531,905
    Race and ethnicity**
    White:69.5%73.6%
    Black/African American:21.5%12.6%
    Asian:2.5%5.1%
    Native American:1.2%0.8%
    Pacific Islander:0.1%0.2%
    Two or more:2.4%3%
    Hispanic/Latino:8.8%17.1%
    Education
    High school graduation rate:85.8%86.7%
    College graduation rate:28.4%29.8%
    Income
    Median household income:$46,868$53,889
    Persons below poverty level:20.5%11.3%
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
    Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in North Carolina.
    **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

    Presidential voting pattern[edit]

    See also: Presidential voting trends in North Carolina

    North Carolina voted Republican in four out of the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016.

    Pivot Counties (2016)

    Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, six are located in North Carolina, accounting for 2.91 percent of the total pivot counties.[37]

    Pivot Counties (2020)

    In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. North Carolina had six Retained Pivot Counties, 3.31 percent of all Retained Pivot Counties.

    More North Carolina coverage on Ballotpedia

    Pivot Counties[edit]

    See also: Pivot Counties by state

    Six of 100 North Carolina counties—6 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

    Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
    County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
    Bladen County, North Carolina 9.39% 1.97% 2.07%
    Gates County, North Carolina 9.07% 4.11% 5.22%
    Granville County, North Carolina 2.49% 4.54% 6.58%
    Martin County, North Carolina 0.43% 4.65% 4.64%
    Richmond County, North Carolina 9.74% 2.95% 1.50%
    Robeson County, North Carolina 4.27% 17.41% 13.78%

    In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won North Carolina with 49.8 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 46.2 percent. In presidential elections between 1792 and 2016, North Carolina voted Democratic 53.5 percent of the time and Republican 25 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, North Carolina voted Republican all five times with the exception of the 2008 presidential election.[38]

    Presidential results by legislative district[edit]

    The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in North Carolina. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[39][40]

    In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 40 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 38.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 44 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 36.4 points. Clinton won three districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
    In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 80 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 22.7 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 76 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 27.7 points. Trump won five districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.


    See also[edit]

    North Carolina government:

    Previous elections:

    Ballotpedia exclusives:

    External links[edit]

    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png
         		Suggest a link

    Footnotes[edit]

    1. ↑ Ballotpedia News, "In the past decade, two lieutenant governors have challenged their state’s governor for re-election; two more could do so this year," January 17, 2020
    2. ↑ Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
    3. ↑ DeFiore: 3%
      Pisano: 1%
      No opinion: 1%
    4. ↑ DeFiore: 3%
      Pisano: 1%
      Undecided: 4%
    5. ↑ DeFiore: 1%
      Pisano: 1%
      Don't know/refused: 4%
    6. ↑ Some other candidate: 2%
      Undecided: 4%
    7. ↑ This poll used a credibility interval instead of a margin of error.
    8. ↑ DeFiore: 1%
      Pisano: 1%
      Undecided: 4%
    9. ↑ DeFiore: 2%
      Pisano: 1%
      Undecided: 13%
    10. ↑ This poll used a confidence interval instead of a margin of error.
    11. ↑ DeFiore: 1%
      Pisano: 0%
      Undecided: 0%
    12. ↑ DeFiore: 2%
      Pisano: 1%
      Undecided: 9%
    13. ↑ Some other candidate: 2%
      Undecided: 8%
    14. ↑ This poll used a credibility interval instead of a margin of error.
    15. ↑ DeFiore: 1%
      Pisano: <1%
      Undecided: 3%
    16. ↑ DeFiore: 3%
      Not Sure: 9%
    17. ↑ DeFiore: 3%
      Pisano: 1%
      Undecided: 3%
    18. ↑ Raleigh News & Observer, "Endorsement: Our choice for governor of North Carolina," October 5, 2020
    19. ↑ The Charlotte Post, "Endorse Roy Cooper for governor; Yvonne Holley for Lt. governor," October 15, 2020
    20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 The Charlotte Observer, "Endorsement: Our choice for governor of North Carolina," updated October 21, 2020
    21. ↑ Associated Press, "Trump Backs Dan Forest in North Carolina Governor's Race," July 3, 2020
    22. ↑ Charlotte Observer, "‘North Carolina matters’: Vice President makes 2 stops Tuesday, Trump up next," October 27, 2020
    23. ↑ Cornelius Today, "Obama endorses 100+ candidates nationwide, including NC Rep. Clark," August 3, 2020
    24. ↑ WRAL, "VP Pence pushes for support of police in campaign stop with Lt. Gov. Forest," October 31, 2020
    25. ↑ The Cook Political Report, "In Final Governor Race Ratings, Competitive Field Shrinks Further," October 23, 2020
    26. ↑ WRAL, "Presidential campaigns separated by 22 miles in NC, yet worlds apart," updated October 22, 2020
    27. ↑ Monmouth, "Prez Race Stays Tight; Dem Senate Candidate Gains," October 13, 2020
    28. ↑ East Carolina University, "ECU Poll of Likely Voters in North Carolina: Biden leads Trump by four points; Tillis leads Cunningham by one; Cooper leads Forest by thirteen points; Other statewide races competitive," accessed October 20, 2020
    29. ↑ University of Massachusetts Lowell, "Survey of North Carolina Likely Voters, Field Dates: September 18-25, 2020," accessed October 12, 2020
    30. ↑ Meredith College, "Meredith College Poll Report September 2020.pdf," accessed October 12, 2020
    31. ↑ Civitas Institute, "Trump and Biden in dead heat," September 23, 2020
    32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    33. ↑ Roy Cooper’s 2020 campaign website, “Meet Roy,” accessed October 7, 2020
    34. ↑ Dan Forest’s 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 7, 2020
    35. ↑ Steven DiFiore’s 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 7, 2020
    36. ↑ Al Pisano’s 2020 campaign website, “Platform,” accessed October 7, 2020
    37. ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
    38. ↑ 270towin.com, "North Carolina," accessed June 1, 2017
    39. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
    40. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
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