Midterm Elections Test North Carolina Races
Political scientist Peter Francia weighs what key North Carolina contests could reveal about the national midterm picture.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Political Parties
As voters head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections, East Carolina University political science professor Dr. Peter Francia is analyzing the results. North Carolina's Senate race and the NC-1 and NC-11 House contests are among the key races being watched.
Why it matters
Since 1938, the president's party has lost House seats in 20 of 22 midterm elections and Senate seats in 15 of 22. Outcomes in North Carolina could indicate whether the nation sees a 'blue wave' or a more modest 'blue ripple.'
Since 1938, the president's party has lost House seats in 20 of 22 midterm elections and Senate seats in 15 of 22, according to the extraction's historical record. The results of North Carolina's Senate race and the NC-1 and NC-11 House contests remain unresolved as voting begins.
The players
Peter Francia
Dr. Peter Francia is a political science professor at East Carolina University who is analyzing the 2026 midterm elections.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is a public university in Greenville, North Carolina, where Dr. Peter Francia teaches political science.
The details
Francia is analyzing the 2026 midterms as voters go to the polls, focusing on North Carolina's Senate race and the competitive NC-1 and NC-11 House contests. He notes that a decisive Democratic victory in these races could signal significant nationwide gains, and that Democrats could take control of the North Carolina State House if they experience a 'blue tsunami.'
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Voters head to the polls for the midterm elections.
Historical Pattern
Since 1938, the president's party has lost House seats in 20 of 22 midterm elections and Senate seats in 15 of 22, a pattern the 2026 North Carolina races are being measured against. Whether North Carolina follows that trend will help show if the midterm is a 'blue wave' or a 'blue ripple.'
Voters in North Carolina's Senate race and the NC-1 and NC-11 House districts will help determine which party controls those seats in Washington. The results will also shape whether the state legislature changes hands if a 'blue tsunami' materializes.
The takeaway
Midterm results in key races often reveal more than a single contest, so tracking North Carolina's outcomes offers an early read on national trends. Watching both the Senate race and the state House contests gives a fuller picture of where power is shifting.
Further reading
Explore more on Political Parties to see how party strategy shapes contests like these across North Carolina.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
