Three Candidates Will Vie for North Carolina Senate Seat

The race for District 18 will decide representation for parts of Granville and Wake counties this November.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections

Three Candidates Will Vie for North Carolina Senate Seat

Live Poll

Should states implement stricter, uniform safety and labeling regulations for hemp-derived products?

Three candidates are campaigning for the North Carolina state Senate District 18 seat ahead of the upcoming election. The district, which encompasses Granville County and parts of Wake County, remains a key focus for party organizers.

Why it matters

The outcome of this race could influence the balance of power in a state Senate where Republicans currently hold a supermajority. Candidates are highlighting their differing views on hemp and marijuana regulation as voters weigh their options.

The district electorate is nearly evenly split between parties, with 49.7% registered as Republican and 48.1% as Democratic. This follows a 2024 election cycle where the seat was decided by a margin of under 1 percentage point.

The players

Haseeb Fatmi

He currently holds the Senate seat following his appointment in 2026.

Terence Everitt

He previously held the Senate seat before resigning to accept another professional opportunity.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

This organization manages and funds campaigns to elect Democrats to state legislative offices.

The details

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has officially identified this race as a target. The candidates are currently outlining their platforms regarding state policy, specifically addressing the current lack of age limits for hemp products in North Carolina.

The 2024 election saw the district seat won by less than a 1 percent margin.
State lawmakers are expected to return to the General Assembly in November 2026.
A new federal definition of hemp is scheduled to take effect in December 2026.

Political Context

The debate over North Carolina state hemp and marijuana regulations reflects a broader legislative struggle to balance industry growth with public health. This race highlights the recent gridlock where the state House opted not to take up hemp legislation in August 2026.

Voters in Granville and Wake counties will determine who represents their interests during upcoming state assembly sessions. The election result could impact future local regulations concerning hemp products, which currently lack state age restrictions.

The takeaway

Voters should review candidate platforms regarding hemp regulation as the state faces a deadline for new federal definitions. Understanding the registration split in this district provides insight into why this race is viewed as a high-stakes contest for control of the state Senate.