The year 2024 was marked by significant developments across politics, the economy, education, and energy in North Carolina. As one of the nation’s most dynamic and closely watched states, it played a pivotal role in shaping regional and national conversations. In the November 2024 election, almost 74% of North Carolina’s 7.7 million registered voters cast a ballot. In a Carolina Journal poll taken just a few weeks later, 48% of North Carolinians believed that the nation is headed in the right direction as a result of the election.
A changing political landscape
North Carolina’s role as a battleground state was solidified during the 2024 elections, with presidential and vice presidential candidates in the Tar Heel State almost every week, some multiple times in the lead-up to Nov. 5.
The state’s competitive congressional race, northeastern North Carolina’s First District, became one of the most closely watched races in the nation.
The state’s high voter turnout, just shy of 74%, reflected deep public engagement. Ultimately, Republicans retained majority control of the legislature but lost a state House supermajority by a single seat.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump swept most counties, making North Carolina one of the key states that put Trump over the top in the Electoral College. Democrats made gains in urban districts, even coming from behind in counting provisional ballots in the state Supreme Court race. Republican Jefferson Griffin had a 10,000-vote lead after Election Day but ultimately lost when provisional and mail-in absentee ballots were counted.
Gov. Roy Cooper worked his last year in the Executive Mansion after two terms and 16 years as the North Carolina attorney general. His power to raise funds for Democrats and his growing prominence on his party’s national stage put him on the shortlist for vice president in the sudden switch to a Kamala Harris presidential ticket.
He was slow to endorse Attorney General Josh Stein in the race for governor but ultimately gave Stein the nod. Throughout his last year in office, Cooper’s relationship with the General Assembly was tested, as lawmakers debated priorities such as Medicaid expansion, spending on school choice programs, infrastructure, and a disastrous performance review of Cooper’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency, set up to manage hurricane relief.
Education at the forefront
Education policy dominated headlines in 2024. Parents and educators voiced concerns over public school performance, curriculum content, and teacher pay. The expansion of school choice through increased Opportunity Scholarship funding, making it universally available, gave families more options, but it also reignited debates about the future of traditional public schools and whether school systems’ current structures of management and funding are antiquated.
The fight over parental rights intensified, with legislation requiring greater transparency in curriculum and school board decisions. Many parents applauded these measures, while opponents argued they undermined educators and public schools. The debate led to the primary upset of the Republican superintendent of public instruction by a grassroots activist advocating for greater parental control and flexibility. Voters in November chose a Democrat and long-term administrator from an urban traditional public school system.
Economic growth amid uncertainty
North Carolina’s economy remained strong compared to other states, partly thanks to its business-friendly tax climate. Companies continued relocating to the state, creating jobs and fueling growth in urban and suburban areas. However, rising costs for housing and energy, as well as workforce shortages, posed challenges for many residents. Energy policy became contentious in 2024 as utility bills rose and debates over renewable energy mandates escalated. Aggressive timelines and mandates from the Cooper administration for renewable energy adoption sparked concerns over grid reliability and economic impacts.
October’s devastation from Hurricane Helene prompted renewed discussions about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness. In the closing weeks of the year, the state legislature voted to put $1 billion into Helene’s recovery and pledged to launch a deep discussion on the state’s infrastructure needs.
Reflections on civic engagement
Despite political divisions, 2024 demonstrated the power of civic engagement in shaping the future. From packed school board meetings to record voter turnout, North Carolinians showed their dedication to participating in the democratic process.
As the year ends, the Carolina Journal reflects on the resilience and determination of our state’s citizens. North Carolina remains a leader in innovative policy solutions grounded in a commitment to free markets, limited government, and individual liberty.
In 2025, we look forward to continuing our mission of providing trusted, independent reporting and analysis that empowers readers to make informed decisions about the issues that matter most.