x
Breaking News
More () »

Is North Carolina leaning red or blue in 2024? Political expert weighs in

North Carolina's competitiveness makes it hard for victories to predict.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — For a majority of states, you can get a good idea of who’s going to win in the fall.

But North Carolina isn’t one of them - we’re more competitive, making us a swing state where parties could switch.

According to UNCG Political Science professor Thom Little, lots of eyes will be on North Carolina this presidential election.

"With our growing population, we have an increasing number of voters and electoral votes," Little said. 

The Tar Heel state could swing left or right and in most cases, determine who will win on election day.

"North Carolina is sort of leaning Republican, but it can still be won by a democratic candidate. It is a state that’s relatively competitive," Little said. "There's 40 of the 50 states where I can tell you today who’s going to win in the fall. North Carolina is not one of those states." 

He believes that’s the reason candidates are showing up all over the state to win voters over. 

Former President Donald Trump is making a stop in the Gate City on Saturday as part of the Get Out the Vote rally.

"In his mind, I think he has the primary locked up, so he’s going to be here to start getting them enthusiastic about the fall," Little said. "I suspect his speech will be more about Biden than Haley."

Nikki Haley took a loss in her home state South Carolina but said she's staying in the race through Super Tuesday.

"I'm not exactly sure why she's staying in the race, I can't imagine she does well in North Carolina," Little said. "She lost in her home state by 20. I would think she would lose by that much in North Carolina. 

According to Little, this election will feel a lot like déjà vu from the last presidential cycle.

"Unless something major happens with any party, we’re going to have a Trump-Biden rematch," Little said. "Nobody really likes either candidate and yet that’s probably where we’re going to end up." 

The primary election is next Tuesday.

It’s full of local and state races.

Click here for a full voter guide. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out