Earls Projected to Win North Carolina Supreme Court
The Associated Press projected incumbent Democrat Anita Earls as the winner of the state's Supreme Court race against Republican Sarah Stevens.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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The Associated Press projected Democrat Anita Earls as the winner of the North Carolina Supreme Court race, which was part of the 2026 Midterm Election. Earls, the incumbent, faced Republican Sarah Stevens.
Why it matters
A Stevens victory would have given Republicans a 6-to-1 majority on the state's highest court. The outcome determines whether that majority remains out of reach for the party.
The Associated Press projection was issued on Election Night, November 3, 2026, after polls closed at 8:15 p.m. Final vote counts and the margin separating the candidates were not included in the available information.
The players
Anita Earls
Incumbent Democratic justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court who was projected to win reelection.
Sarah Stevens
Republican candidate who challenged Earls for the North Carolina Supreme Court seat.
The details
Earls, a Democrat seeking reelection to the state's highest court, ran against Republican Sarah Stevens. Voters in the Piedmont Triad were among those deciding the contest during the Midterm Election.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Midterm Election and Associated Press projection of Earls as winner.
8:15 p.m. on Election Night: Polls closed and results were expected to follow.
Seasonal Patterns
The outcome bears on the partisan composition of the state's highest court, which would have shifted to a 6-to-1 Republican majority had Stevens prevailed. Election-year court races in North Carolina have drawn attention because the seats shape decisions on redistricting and voting rights.
The result determines whether Democrats keep their current seat balance on the state's highest court, which affects rulings on redistricting and voting rights. Residents in the Piedmont Triad and across the state will see the court's composition shaped by this outcome.
The takeaway
Down-ballot judicial races can determine the partisan direction of a state's highest court for years. Readers should follow certified results, which will confirm the final margin.
Further reading
For more on how state court contests are decided, browse Elections coverage across North Carolina.
Live Poll
Do you think North Carolina's Supreme Court should keep its current Democratic-leaning balance?
