2016 North Carolina gubernatorial election

none related races 2016 United States gubernatorial elections September 2013 March 2018 2016 North Carolina gubernatorial election North Carolina presidential no 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election 2012 2020 North Carolina gubernatorial election 2020 November 8, 2016 68.98% 1.68% 150x150px RoyCooper-November2017 (3x4 cropped).jpg Roy Cooper Democratic Party (United States) 2,309,157 2,309,157 4,711,014 2 yes File:Pat-McCrory June-2015(crop) 3x4.jpg Pat McCrory Republican Party (United States) 2,298,880 2,298,880 4,711,014 2 yes 325px County results 325px Congressional district results 325px Precinct results 1 325px Cooper: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%McCrory: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% #A80000 >90%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% Governor Pat McCrory Republican Party (United States) Roy Cooper Democratic The 2016 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 2016, concurrently with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as elections to the United States Senate and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Democratic state Attorney General Roy Cooper won his first term in office, narrowly defeating Republican incumbent Pat McCrory. Primary elections were held March 15.http://www.wral.com/north-carolina-primaries-now-on-march-15-with-bill-signing/14938667/ WRAL: North Carolina primaries officially on March 15 with signing October 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151002070437/http://www.wral.com/north-carolina-primaries-now-on-march-15-with-bill-signing/14938667/ October 2, 2015 dead Both McCrory and Cooper won their primaries by overwhelming margins.http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/12/02/4370719_gov-pat-mccrory-launches-2016.html Gov. Pat McCrory launches 2016 campaign The News & Observer December 2, 2014 December 5, 2014 December 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141226023618/http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/12/02/4370719_gov-pat-mccrory-launches-2016.html dead Lon Cecil, a consultant and electrical engineer, was the Libertarian nominee. This race was expected to be among the most competitive in the country in the 2016 gubernatorial election cycle.https://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/competitive-governor-races-2016-217111 Top 10 governors races of 2016 Politico December 29, 2015 November 22, 2016 On election night, the race was too close to call, with Cooper leading by fewer than 5,000 votes out of more than 4.6 million cast.https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/governors-races-statehouses-eric-holcomb.html In North Carolina, a Governor's Race Is Too Close to Call November 9, 2016 The New York Times November 22, 2016 That lead eventually widened to 10,281 votes. Cooper claimed victory that night, with thousands of provisional ballots still yet to be counted, saying, "We have won this race." However, McCrory refused to concede, claiming that the race was still too close to call and the winner had not yet been determined. He cast doubt on the authenticity of 90,000 late-arriving votes from Durham County, which put Cooper in the lead. McCrory's campaign filed complaints alleging voter fraud in over 50 counties. Both campaigns anticipated a protracted legal battle over the results.https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/10/this-2016-race-still-isnt-over-and-its-about-to-get-ugly/ The North Carolina governor's race still isn't over. And it's about to get even uglier. The Washington Post November 22, 2016 On November 22, 2016, McCrory formally requested a statewide recount;N.C. governor seeks recount amid voter-fraud complaints, won't concede once all ballots are counted, North Carolina election law allows either candidate to request a recount if the margin is fewer than 10,000 votes. On November 30, 2016, the North Carolina State Board of Elections ordered a recount of certain votes in Durham County.http://abc11.com/politics/state-board-orders-recount-of-94000-durham-county-votes/1631935/ State Board Orders Recount of 94,000 Durham County Votes December 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161201201500/http://abc11.com/politics/state-board-orders-recount-of-94000-durham-county-votes/1631935/ December 1, 2016 dead The recount was slated to be completed on December 5, 2016. However, when early results made it apparent that the margin would not change, McCrory conceded the race to Cooper on the afternoon of December 5. This was the first time since North Carolina governors became eligible for immediate reelection in 1976 that a sitting officeholder was defeated in a bid for a second term and the only North Carolina gubernatorial election since 1896 in which neither major party nominee received over 50% of the vote.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article118942758.html Gov. Pat McCrory concedes defeat to Roy Cooper as Durham recount wraps up Campbell Colin The News & Observer 2016-12-06 Republican primary Candidates Declared Robert Brawley, former state representativehttp://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article48785570.html Gov. Pat McCroy gets a challenger in Republican primary The News & Observer Campbell Colin December 9, 2015 December 10, 2015 Pat McCrory, incumbent governorhttp://www.wral.com/mccrory-election-wins-no-mandate-for-gop/14152761/ McCrory: Election wins no mandate for GOP WRAL.com November 5, 2014 November 7, 2014 Charles Moss, preacher, former Randolph County Soil & Water Conservation Board member, Democratic state senate candidate in 2004, and candidate for governor in 2012ftp://alt.ncsbe.gov/Candidate_Filing/Candidate_Listing_20160315.pdf North Carolina State Board of Elections dead Candidate Listing December 21, 2015 Declined Greg Brannon, physician, Tea Party activist and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014 (running for U.S. Senate)http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article38147982.html Former GOP Senate candidate Greg Brannon to make 'big announcement' Thursday The News & Observer Campbell Colin October 7, 2015 October 8, 2015https://www.facebook.com/DrGregBrannon/videos/vb.552463691431298/1134648023212859/?type=2&theater WATCH as I officially file as a Republican candidate for the United States Senate! Facebook Brannon Greg December 21, 2015 December 21, 2015 Dan Forest, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina (running for re-election)http://www.wral.com/coleman-forest-to-run-again-for-lieutenant-governor/14455232/ Coleman, Forest to run again for lieutenant governor WRAL-TV Leslie Laura February 18, 2015 February 18, 2015 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory CharlesMoss RobertBrawley UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 11–13, 2016 749 ± 3.6% 70% 7% 6% 17%High Point UniversityHigh Point University March 9–10, 2016 734 ± 2.5% 73% 6% 8% 13%SurveyUSASurveyUSA March 4–7, 2016 688 ± 3.6% 66% 6% 9% 19%SurveyUSASurveyUSA February 14–16, 2016 437 ± 4.5% 67% – 17% 16%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling February 14–16, 2016 597 ± 4.0% 69% 4% 5% 22%High Point UniversityHigh Point University January 30–February 4, 2016 477 ± 4.5% 75% 3% 2% 20%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 18–19, 2016 433 ± 3.2% 68% 6% 4% 22% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory DanForest UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling August 12–16, 2015 406 ± 4.9% 60% 20% 20% Results Republican primary resultshttp://er.ncsbe.gov/contest_details.html?election_dt=03/15/2016&county_id=0&contest_id=1047 NC SBE Election Contest Details November 22, 2016 Pat McCrory (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 869,114 82.0% Robert Brawley Republican Party (United States) 112,624 11.0% Charles Moss Republican Party (United States) 81,315 7.0% 1,063,053 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Declared Roy Cooper, North Carolina Attorney GeneralAttorney General Announces Candidacy For Governor http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2014/11/06/roy-cooper-for-governor/18594755/ November 7, 2014 Charlotte Observer November 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141108001306/http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2014/11/06/roy-cooper-for-governor/18594755/ November 8, 2014 dead mdy-all Kenneth Spaulding, former state representative and candidate for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district in 1984https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/09/06/three-years-out-democrats-eye-mccrorys-seat/ Three years out, Democrats eye McCrory's seat Reid Wilson The Washington Post September 6, 2013 September 9, 2013 Withdrawn James Protzman, businessman and former Chapel Hill town council memberhttp://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/17/3289581/protzman-drops-out-of-governors.html Protzman drops out of governor's race after 7 months The News & Observer October 17, 2013 November 28, 2013 October 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131024134517/http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/17/3289581/protzman-drops-out-of-governors.html dead Declined Janet Cowell, North Carolina State Treasurer (not seeking re-election or running for any other office) Anthony Foxx, United States Secretary of Transportation and former Mayor of Charlottehttp://www.nationaljournal.com/whitehouse/what-you-need-to-know-about-obama-transportation-pick-anthony-foxx-20130429 What You Need to Know About Obama Transportation Pick Anthony Foxx Matt Vasilogambros National Journal April 29, 2013 September 9, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130926222704/http://www.nationaljournal.com/whitehouse/what-you-need-to-know-about-obama-transportation-pick-anthony-foxx-20130429 September 26, 2013 dead mdy-all Kay Hagan, former U.S. Senator, and former State Senatorhttp://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article35987301.html State Sen. Josh Stein makes formal announcement for attorney general The News & Observer Knopf Taylor September 21, 2015 October 13, 2015 Charles Meeker, former mayor of Raleigh (running for Labor Commissioner)http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article26735941.html Former Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker to run for labor commissioner The News & Observer Campbell Colin July 8, 2015 August 11, 2015 Heath Shuler, former U.S. Representativehttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25248907/ex-skins-qb-heath-shuler-says-he-wont-run-for-north-carolina-governor Ex-Skins QB Heath Shuler says he won't run for NC Governor CBS Sports Brinson Will July 23, 2015 August 11, 2015 Josh Stein, state senator and former deputy attorney general of North Carolina (running for Attorney General) Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror RoyCooper KennethSpaulding Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 11–13, 2016 746 ± 3.6% 53% 17% — 30%High Point University March 9–10, 2016 669 ± 2.5% 64% 18% — 19%SurveyUSA March 4–7, 2016 687 ± 3.8% 51% 19% — 30%SurveyUSA February 14–16, 2016 449 ± 4.7% 50% 21% — 29%Public Policy Polling February 14–16, 2016 575 ± 4.1% 55% 12% — 33%High Point University January 30–February 4, 2016 478 ± 4.5% 49% 11% — 40%Public Policy Polling January 18–19, 2016 461 ± 3.2% 55% 10% — 35%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling December 5–7, 2015 555 ± 2.8% 54% 10% — 36%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling October 23–25, 2015 421 ± 4.8% 58% 13% — 29% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror RoyCooper AnthonyFoxx KayHagan CharlesMeeker KennethSpaulding Other/UndecidedCivitas InstituteCivitas Institute March 20–23, 2015 400 ± 5% 31% 7% 43% 3% 4% 12% Results thumb|300px|Results by county: Cooper #214478 Cooper—80–90% #2c5aa0 Cooper—70–80% #3771c8 Cooper—60–70% #5f8dd3 Cooper—50–60% Spaulding #5fd35f Spaulding—50–60% #37c837 Spaulding—60–70% Democratic primary resultshttp://er.ncsbe.gov/contest_details.html?election_dt=03/15/2016&county_id=0&contest_id=1046 NC SBE Election Contest Details November 22, 2016 Roy Cooper Democratic Party (United States) 710,658 69.0% Kenneth Spaulding Democratic Party (United States) 323,774 31.0% 1,034,432 100.0% Libertarian primary Candidates Declared Lon Cecil, retired engineer and nominee for NC-12 in 2010http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article50058280.html Libertarians look to keep NC ballot status with candidate slate November 22, 2016 Withdrawn Ken Fortenberry, newspaper publisher, author, journalist and Republican candidate for North Carolina's 10th congressional district in 2012http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/12/31/4441291/libertarian-candidate-for-nc-governor.html Libertarian candidate for NC governor announces News & Observer Lynn Bonner December 31, 2014 January 5, 2015 January 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150106202931/http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/12/31/4441291/libertarian-candidate-for-nc-governor.html deadhttp://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2015/08/fortenberry-withdraws-from-nc-governors-race/ Fortenberry withdraws from NC governor's race Independent Political Report Frankel Paul August 8, 2015 August 11, 2015 Declined Sean Haugh, pizza delivery man and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2002 and 2014 (running for U.S. Senate)http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/05/4451457/sean-haugh-considers-another-libertarian.html Sean Haugh considers another Libertarian bid News & Observer Craig Jarvis January 5, 2015 January 5, 2015 January 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150106060136/http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/05/4451457/sean-haugh-considers-another-libertarian.html deadhttp://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2015/10/sean-haugh-i-intend-to-run-for-u-s-senate-as-a-libertarian-in-north-carolina-in-2016/ Sean Haugh: "I Intend to Run for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in North Carolina in 2016" Independent Political Report Ziggler Jed October 7, 2015 October 13, 2015 Write-in candidates Declared Daniel Orr, navy veteranhttp://yourdailyjournal.com/news/local-news-5/17784/grassroots-n-c-governor-candidate-daniel-orr-seeks-mental-health-reform Richmond County Daily Journal October 28, 2015 General election Debates Complete video of debate, October 11, 2016 - C-SPAN Complete video of debate, October 18, 2016 - C-SPAN Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2016 Governor Race ratings https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139364 The Cook Political Report October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015115045/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139364 dead Tossup August 12, 2016 Daily KosElections 2015-16 https://elections.dailykos.com/app/elections/2016/office/governor Daily Kos October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114617/https://elections.dailykos.com/app/elections/2016/office/governor dead Tossup November 8, 2016 Rothenberg Political ReportGubernatorial Ratings http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/governor/2016-gubernatorial-ratings-november-3-2016 The Rothenberg Political Report October 15, 2018 Tilt D Flip November 3, 2016 Sabato's Crystal BallOur Final 2016 picks http://crystalball.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/our-final-2016-picks/ Sabato's Crystal Ball October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114619/http://crystalball.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/our-final-2016-picks/ dead Lean D Flip November 7, 2016 Real Clear Politics2016 Election Maps - 2016 Governor Races https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/governor/2016_elections_governor_map.html Real Clear Politics October 15, 2018 Tossup November 1, 2016 Governinghttp://www.governing.com/governor-races-2016 2016 Governors Races Ratings & News Governing Magazine October 28, 2016 October 27, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161027090343/http://www.governing.com/governor-races-2016 dead Tossup October 27, 2016 Polling Aggregate polls Source of pollaggregationDatesadministeredDatesupdated PatMcCrory (R) RoyCooper (D) Other/UndecidedCalculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.MarginReal Clear PoliticsReal Clear PoliticsOctober 23 – November 6, 2016November 6, 201646.2%48.4%5.4%Cooper +2.2% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) RoyCooper (D) LonCecil (L) Other UndecidedSurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey November 1–7, 2016 3,126 ± 4.6% 43% 54% — — 3%New York Times Upshot/Siena CollegeNew York Times Upshot/Siena College November 4–6, 2016 800 ± 3.5% 46% 47% — — 7%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University https://web.archive.org/web/20161107221810/https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/ps/ps11072016.pdf/ November 7, 2016 November 3–6, 2016 870 ± 3.3% 47% 50% — 1% 3%SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey October 31–November 6, 2016 2,865 ± 4.6% 43% 54% — — 3%SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey October 28–November 3, 2016 2,292 ± 4.6% 44% 53% — — 3%SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey October 27–November 2, 2016 1,886 ± 4.6% 45% 53% — — 2%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University https://web.archive.org/web/20161104075102/https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/ps/ps11032016_S426wuh.pdf/ November 4, 2016 October 27–November 1, 2016 602 ± 4.0% 47% 49% — 1% 3%SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey October 26–November 1, 2016 1,617 ± 4.6% 45% 52% — — 3%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 28–31, 2016 659 ± 3.9% 47% 48% 2% — 4%SurveyMonkeySurveyMonkey October 25–31, 2016 1,574 ± 4.6% 46% 52% — — 2%CBS News/YouGovCBS News/YouGov October 26–28, 2016 992 ± 4.1% 44% 46% — 1% 9%Elon University PollElon University Poll October 23–27, 2016 710 ± 3.7% 44% 44% 1% 3% 8%NBC/WSJ/MaristNBC/WSJ/Marist October 25–26, 2016 780 LV ± 3.5% 45% 51% — 2% 2% 1,018 RV ± 3.1% 45% 50% — 3% 3%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University https://web.archive.org/web/20190730194944/https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/ps/ps10282016_Sbw72uv.pdf/ July 30, 2019 October 20–26, 2016 702 ± 3.7% 47% 49% — — 3%New York Times Upshot/Siena CollegeNew York Times Upshot/Siena College October 20–23, 2016 792 ± 3.5% 45% 51% — — 4%Monmouth UniversityMonmouth University October 20–23, 2016 402 ± 4.9% 48% 47% 2% — 3%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling October 21–22, 2016 875 ± 3.3% 44% 46% 3% — 8%The Times-Picayune/LucidThe Times-Picayune/Lucid October 17–18, 2016 924 ± 3.0% 43% 50% — — 7%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 14–18, 2016 651 ± 3.9% 45% 47% 3% — 5%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) October 14–17, 2016 600 ± 4.0% 46% 42% — — 10%Washington Post/SurveyMonkeyWashington Post/SurveyMonkey https://web.archive.org/web/20170914002554/http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/politics/surveymonkey-15-state-poll/2103/ September 14, 2017 October 8–16, 2016 1,191 ± 0.5% 42% 55% — — 2%CNN/ORCCNN/ORC October 10–15, 2016 788 LV ± 3.5% 48% 49% — — 2% 929 RV ± 3.0% 47% 49% — — 2%NBC/WSJ/MaristNBC/WSJ/Marist October 10–12, 2016 743 LV ± 3.6% 48% 49% — 1% 3% 1,025 RV ± 3.1% 47% 48% — 1% 4%High Point UniversityHigh Point University October 1–6, 2016 479 ± 4.5% 42% 49% 3% — 5%SurveyUSASurveyUSA September 29–October 3, 2016 656 ± 3.9% 44% 48% 2% — 6%Bloomberg/SelzerBloomberg/Selzer September 29–October 3, 2016 805 ± 3.5% 44% 50% — — 6%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University https://web.archive.org/web/20161006052329/https://www.qu.edu/images/polling/ps/ps10052016_Sth68bh.pdf October 6, 2016 September 27–October 2, 2016 507 ± 4.4% 46% 48% — — 6%Elon University PollElon University Poll September 27–30, 2016 660 ± 3.8% 44% 48% 3% — 5%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 27–28, 2016 861 ± 3.3% 42% 45% 4% — 9% 44% 49% — — 7%Meredith CollegeMeredith College September 18–22, 2016 487 ± 4.4% 41% 39% 1% 6% 14%High Point UniversityHigh Point University September 17–22, 2016 404 ± 4.9% 41% 50% 3% — 5%FOX NewsFOX News September 18–20, 2016 734 LV ± 3.5% 46% 43% 3% 1% 7% 800 RV 45% 42% 3% 1% 9%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 18–20, 2016 1,024 ± 3.1% 41% 46% 2% — 11% 43% 50% — — 8%New York Times Upshot/Siena CollegeNew York Times Upshot/Siena College September 16–19, 2016 782 ± 3.6% 42% 50% — — 7%Elon University PollElon University Poll September 12–16, 2016 644 ± 3.9% 49% 46% 2% — 3%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) September 11–12, 2016 600 ± 4.0% 45% 43% 1% — 9%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University https://web.archive.org/web/20160915054411/https://www.qu.edu/images/polling/ps/ps09092016_prbt47q.pdf September 15, 2016 August 29–September 7, 2016 751 ± 3.6% 44% 51% — — 5%Monmouth UniversityMonmouth University August 20–23, 2016 401 ± 4.9% 43% 52% 3% — 3%CNN/ORCCNN/ORC August 18–23, 2016 803 LV ± 3.5% 46% 52% — — 2% 912 RVNBC/WSJ/MaristNBC/WSJ/Marist August 4–10, 2016 921 ± 3.2% 44% 51% — — 5%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling August 5–7, 2016 830 ± 3.4% 42% 43% 4% — 11%NBC/WSJ/MaristNBC/WSJ/Marist July 5–11, 2016 907 ± 3.3% 45% 49% — 1% 5%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) June 21–23, 2016 600 ± 4.0% 45% 40% 3% — 10%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling June 20–21, 2016 947 ± 3.2% 41% 41% 6% — 13%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) May 21–23, 2016 600 ± 4.0% 45% 40% 3% — 11%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 20–22, 2016 928 ± 3.2% 41% 41% 5% — 13%RABA ResearchVoters down on HB2; Democrats Cooper and Stein lead in new poll The Charlotte Observer May 2, 2016 https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article75189842.html April 27–28, 2016 688 ± 3.7% 36% 41% 6% — 17%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) April 23–25, 2016 600 ± 4.0% 39% 48% 5% — 8%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling April 22–24, 2016 960 ± 3.2% 42% 43% 4% — 11%Elon University Pollhttp://www.elon.edu/e-web/elonpoll/041916.xhtml Elon University Poll April 19, 2016 April 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160421015511/http://www.elon.edu/e-web/elonpoll/041916.xhtml dead April 10–15, 2016 621 ± 3.9% 42% 48% — 6% 5%SurveyUSASurveyUSA April 8–11, 2016 701 ± 3.8% 43% 47% 2% — 8%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 18–20, 2016 843 ± 3.4% 42% 40% 6% — 12%High Point University March 9–10, 2016 1,576 ± 2.5% 47% 45% — — 8%Elon University PollElon University Poll https://web.archive.org/web/20160327051751/http://elon.edu/images/e-web/elonpoll/022216_ElonPoll_ExecSummary.pdf March 27, 2016 February 15–19, 2016 1,530 ± 2.5% 40% 42% — 3% 15%Public Policy Polling February 14–16, 2016 1,291 ± 2.7% 43% 41% — — 16%SurveyUSA February 14–16, 2016 1,250 ± 2.8% 45% 42% — — 12%Public Policy Polling January 18–19, 2016 948 ± 3.2% 40% 43% — — 17%Public Policy Polling December 5–7, 2015 1,214 ± 2.8% 44% 42% — — 14%Elon University Pollhttp://www.elon.edu/e-web/elonpoll/110515.xhtml Elon University Poll November 25, 2015 November 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151121003904/http://www.elon.edu/e-web/elonpoll/110515.xhtml dead October 29–November 2, 2015 1,040 ± 3.0% 40% 45% — 3% 13%Public Policy Polling October 23–25, 2015 893 ± 3.3% 43% 44% — — 13%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 24–27, 2015 1,268 ± 2.8% 44% 41% — — 15%Elon University PollElon University Poll https://web.archive.org/web/20150925200851/http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/elonpoll/092415_ElonPollExecSumm.pdf September 25, 2015 September 17–21, 2015 1,258 ± 3.0% 43% 42% — 3% 11%Public Policy Polling August 12–16, 2015 957 ± 3.2% 39% 42% — — 18%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) https://web.archive.org/web/20151230120813/http://1ttd918ylvt17775r1u6ng1adc.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Pol-xtabs-8.27.15-resized2.pdf December 30, 2015 August 10–12, 2015 400 ± 4.0% 32% 34% — — 33%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling July 2–6, 2015 529 ± 4.3% 41% 43% — — 16%Civitas Institute (R)Civitas Institute (R) June 23–25, 2015 600 ± 4.0% 43% 38% — — 17%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 28–31, 2015 561 ± 4.1% 41% 44% — — 15%Elon University PollElon University Poll https://web.archive.org/web/20150505181303/http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/elonpoll/042815_ElonPollSummary.pdf May 5, 2015 April 20–24, 2015 677 ± 3.8% 45% 43% — 4% 8%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling April 2–5, 2015 751 ± 3.6% 44% 41% — — 15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling February 24–26, 2015 849 ± 3.4% 43% 41% — — 16%Diversified ResearchDiversified Research February 2–3, 2015 800 ± 3.5% 44% 42% — — 14%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 29–31, 2015 845 ± 3.4% 44% 39% — — 17%Meeting Street ResearchMeeting Street Research January 21–22, 2015 500 ± 4.4% 47% 44% — — 9%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 46% 39% — — 15%Gravis MarketingGravis Marketing October 29–30, 2014 1,006 ± 3.0% 47% 45% — — 8%Gravis MarketingGravis Marketing October 16–18, 2014 1,022 ± 3.0% 49% 41% — — 9%Gravis MarketingGravis Marketing September 22–23, 2014 860 ± 3.0% 45% 42% — — 12%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 11–14, 2014 1,266 ± 2.8% 44% 41% — — 15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling August 14–17, 2014 856 ± 3.4% 44% 43% — — 14%Gravis MarketingGravis Marketing July 22–27, 2014 1,380 ± 3.0% 44% 46% — — 10%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling June 12–15, 2014 1,076 ± 3.0% 44% 42% — — 14%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 9–11, 2014 877 ± 3.3% 43% 42% — — 15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling April 3–6, 2014 740 ± 3.6% 43% 43% — — 15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling February 6–9, 2014 708 ± 3.7% 43% 41% — — 15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 6–9, 2013 600 ± 4.0% 42% 48% — — 11% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); with Pat McCrory Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) KennethSpaulding (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 14–16, 2016 1,291 ± 2.7% 44% 32% — 24%SurveyUSA February 14–16, 2016 1,250 ± 2.8% 48% 38% — 15%Public Policy Polling January 18–19, 2016 948 ± 3.2% 43% 34% — 22%Public Policy Polling December 5–7, 2015 1,214 ± 2.8% 47% 32% — 21%Public Policy Polling October 23–25, 2015 893 ± 3.3% 46% 31% — 23%Public Policy Polling September 24–27, 2015 1,268 ± 2.8% 46% 34% — 21%Public Policy Polling August 12–16, 2015 957 ± 3.2% 40% 35% — 25%Public Policy Polling July 2–6, 2015 529 ± 4.3% 43% 33% — 24%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 28–31, 2015 561 ± 4.1% 43% 32% — 25%Public Policy Polling April 2–5, 2015 751 ± 3.6% 46% 33% — 21%Public Policy Polling February 24–26, 2015 849 ± 3.4% 44% 35% — 21%Public Policy Polling January 29–31, 2015 845 ± 3.4% 47% 36% — 17% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) JanetCowell (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 47% 36% 16%Public Policy Polling September 6–9, 2013 600 ± 4% 43% 47% 10% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) AnthonyFoxx (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 48% 34% 18% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) KayHagan (D) UndecidedMeeting Street ResearchMeeting Street Research January 21–22, 2015 500 ± 4.38% 50% 42% 8% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) CharlesMeeker (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling April 3–6, 2014 740 ± 3.6% 45% 38% 17%Public Policy Polling September 6–9, 2013 600 ± 4% 42% 45% 13% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PatMcCrory (R) JoshStein (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling September 6–9, 2013 600 ± 4% 42% 44% 14% with Phil Berger Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PhilBerger (R) RoyCooper (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 35% 41% 24% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PhilBerger (R) JanetCowell (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 37% 38% 25% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror PhilBerger (R) AnthonyFoxx (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling December 4–7, 2014 823 ± 3.4% 39% 36% 25% with Dan Forest Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror DanForest (R) RoyCooper (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling August 12–16, 2015 957 ± 3.2% 33% 42% 25% Preliminary results and legal battle North Carolina's gubernatorial election, 201611/08/2016 UNOFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE, North Carolina Board of Elections Roy Cooper Democratic Party (United States) 2,309,162 49.02% +5.79% Pat McCrory (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 2,298,881 48.80% -5.82% Lon Cecil Libertarian Party (United States) 102,978 2.19% +0.06% 10,281 0.22% -7.92% 4,711,021 68.98% +1.68% Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Polls closed at 7:30 pm on election day. On election night, as votes were tallied, Cooper held an early lead, but was overtaken by McCrory around 9:30 pm, and McCrory held the lead for most of the evening. Shortly before midnight, McCrory held a 60,000 vote lead until a block of 90,000 votes from Durham County was added to the total, putting Cooper back in the lead by fewer than 5,000 votes out of 4,500,000 cast.http://abc11.com/politics/cooper-claiming-victory-in-governors-race/1596556/ Cooper claiming victory in Governor's race Jonah Kaplan ABC11 News https://web.archive.org/web/20210927184540/https://abc11.com/politics/cooper-claiming-victory-in-governors-race/1596556/ September 27, 2021 November 8, 2016 November 22, 2016 dead Both candidates addressed supporters around 12:30 am; Cooper declared victory, while McCrory vowed the race was not over and that every vote needed to be counted. Under North Carolina state law, absentee ballots postmarked on or before election day must be counted, and military and overseas ballots accepted through November 17 must also be counted.Nigel Duara, North Carolina governor's race still undecided with thousands of votes to be finalized, Los Angeles Times (November 18, 2016). Additionally, election administrators "must decide the eligibility of more than 60,000 provisional ballots and the validity of thousands of challenged votes." This process, plus a protracted legal challenge from the McCrory campaign, was likely to leave the election result not formally decided for some time after election day. McCrory's campaign said that it had "grave concerns over potential irregularities in Durham County." Republican Party of North Carolina Chairman Robin Hayes called Cooper's declaration of victory "rude and grossly premature." On November 10, 2016, both campaigns announced they had retained attorneys in anticipation of a protracted legal battle: Cooper hired lawyers from Washington-based firm Perkins Coie (including Marc EliasVirginia Bridges, Colin Campbell & Craig Jarvis, Appeal planned after Durham County dismisses demand for hand recount, News & Observer (November 17, 2016).), while McCrory hired lawyers from Virginia-based firm Holtzman Vogel Josefiak. Once all ballots are counted, North Carolina election law allows either candidate to request a recount if the margin is fewer than 10,000 votes. On November 12, the general counsel of the Durham County Republican Party filed a formal protest with the Durham County Board of Elections alleging "malfeasance" in the tallying of votes in Durham County and calling for a recount.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article114262543.html Provisional ballot count offers few hints in governor race November 22, 2016 McCrory's campaign said that the 90,000 votes added to the total late on election night appeared to have come from corrupted memory cards. A campaign spokesman said, "What transpired in Durham County is extremely troubling and no citizen can have confidence in the results at this point in time." On November 14, WRAL reported that there was speculation among political operatives about whether the race could possibly be contested and handed to the North Carolina General Assembly to determine the winner, as was done in 2005, when the General Assembly made June Atkinson the winner of a disputed election for the office of North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction.http://www.wral.com/could-nc-lawmakers-choose-the-next-governor-/16234656/ Could NC lawmakers choose the next governor? :: WRAL.com WRAL November 14, 2016 November 22, 2016 North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore said getting the General Assembly involved would be "an absolute last resort".http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article114980628.html Could NC legislators decide governor race? 'Last resort,' House speaker says November 22, 2016 Also on November 14, WRAL reported that the State Bureau of Investigation was investigating whether crimes were committed in the mishandling of 1,000 ballots in the March 2016 primaries in Durham County, the likely epicenter of the battle over the gubernatorial race.http://www.wral.com/durham-defends-handling-of-90k-ballots-in-nc-governor-s-race/16234762/ SBI investigating mishandled primary ballots in Durham :: WRAL.com WRAL November 14, 2016 November 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161119123641/http://www.wral.com/durham-defends-handling-of-90k-ballots-in-nc-governor-s-race/16234762/ November 19, 2016 dead The Durham County electoral board chairman said there was no connection between the investigation and the gubernatorial race. On November 15 Bladen County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor McCrae Dowless, a Republican and the incumbent for reelection, filed a protest with that county's board of elections over several hundred absentee ballots cast for Cooper and other Democrats, claiming that they were fraudulent; on the basis of similarity of the handwriting with which they were filled out. In his initial filing, Dowless claimed corroboration by a handwriting expert. The complainant had initially expressed concerns about voter fraud related to his own reelection campaign, and before election day.http://www.wect.com/story/33718588/hundreds-of-fraudulent-cooper-ballots-discovered-challenged-in-bladen-county Protests filed in Bladen and 11 other counties over alleged fraudulent absentee ballots WECT Staff November 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164226/http://www.wect.com/story/33718588/hundreds-of-fraudulent-cooper-ballots-discovered-challenged-in-bladen-county November 16, 2016 deadhttp://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article115013278.html Bladen County votes scrutinized November 22, 2016http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region_ap/the-latest-state-board-investigates-bladen-absentee-ballots/article_59361bd9-d574-5ef7-a425-18a9fec2fefc.html The Latest: State board investigates Bladen absentee ballots November 22, 2016 November 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161117163307/http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region_ap/the-latest-state-board-investigates-bladen-absentee-ballots/article_59361bd9-d574-5ef7-a425-18a9fec2fefc.html dead The McCrory campaign alleged that the ballots were filled out by paid employees of the Bladen County Improvement Association PAC, a political action committee that received funding from the North Carolina Democratic Party. The complaint alleged that one person served as a witness for at least 67 mail-in absentee ballots, and the same person appeared to have filled out the selections on 71 ballots.https://gallery.mailchimp.com/67f0361f3af450acafd9830a7/files/ElectionProtestForm_Bladen_Co_Soil_Water_Signed.pdf Bladen Protest November 22, 2016 It said there were at least 250 questionable ballots connected to five people paid by the Bladen County Improvement Association PAC. That organization has responded that the people involved were volunteers with their get-out-the-vote effort, and that the only payments made to them were small stipends for expenses incurred as part of that activity; such as food and gas costs. The McCrory campaign stated, "A massive voting fraud scheme has been uncovered in Bladen County."https://www.foxnews.com/politics/voter-fraud-complaints-emerge-in-tight-nc-gov-race Voter fraud complaints emerge in tight NC gov race Joseph Weber Fox News November 16, 2016 November 22, 2016 In response, the Cooper campaign stated: "Governor McCrory has set a new standard for desperation in his attempts to undermine the results of an election he lost."Gov. McCrory protests votes in 50 counties, WGHP (November 17, 2016). On November 16, the McCrory campaign announced it had filed election protests alleging fraud in 11 more counties.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article115143258.html McCrory team: Election protests filed in 12 counties November 22, 2016http://www.wfmynews2.com/news/local/mccrory-campaign-filing-protests-in-12-counties/353374505 McCrory Campaign Now Protesting Votes In 50 Counties TEGNA November 22, 2016 November 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161118040347/http://www.wfmynews2.com/news/local/mccrory-campaign-filing-protests-in-12-counties/353374505 dead On November 17, the McCrory campaign announced the number of counties in which it had filed protests alleging voter fraud had grown to 50 counties,Jim Bradley, Gov. Pat McCrory protesting vote counts in 50 counties https://web.archive.org/web/20161118101345/http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/undecided-gubernatorial-race-presents-problems-for-candidates/468201866 November 18, 2016 , WSOC (November 18, 2016). which the Associated Press reported were "without offering detailed proof." Every county election board in the state has three members: two Republican appointees and one Democrat.Bill Chappell, N.C. Challenger to Gov. McCrory Remains In Lead As Final Ballots Counted, NPR (November 19, 2016). Durham County has been seen as the most pivotal county, as it has the most votes at stake. On November 16, the Durham County Board of Elections voted 2–1 to hold an evidentiary hearing on election protest about the ballots in Durham County.Durham County board to hold hearing on election protest, News & Observer (November 16, 2016). At the hearing on November 18, the board unanimously dismissed the protest, with the board's Republican chairman, William Brian Jr., saying that all the evidence shows that the count is correct.Robinson Gary D. Democrat Attorney General Roy Cooper increases his ballot lead over Gov. Pat McCrory in the North Carolina governor's race November 18, 2016 The Charlotte Observer https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article115794358.html By November 18, Cooper's unofficial advantage over McCrory had grown to about 6,600 votes, out of almost 4.7 million cast. On November 20, the state Board of Elections held an emergency meeting. They declined a McCrory campaign petition for the state board to take jurisdiction over all 50 county election protests, except for the one in Bladen County, which they took over.http://www.wral.com/election-board-weighing-mccrory-request-in-governor-s-race/16258266/ N Carolina election board takes Bladen protest, not others :: WRAL.com WRAL November 20, 2016 November 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161122025826/http://www.wral.com/election-board-weighing-mccrory-request-in-governor-s-race/16258266/ November 22, 2016 dead They decided to convene another meeting on November 22 to issue guidance to county boards on how to handle the protests.http://myfox8.com/2016/11/20/nc-board-of-elections-to-hold-emergency-meeting-on-sunday/ NC Board of Elections votes to reconvene Tuesday November 20, 2016 November 22, 2016 On November 22, the McCrory campaign formally requested a statewide recount. Also on November 22, the Civitas Institute filed a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction to delay the State Board of Elections' count of ballots of unverified same-day registrants, alleging that there is not enough time to verify the eligibility of voters who registered to vote on election day.Civitas Institute lawsuit wants same-day vote count delayed Civitas said that neither the McCrory campaign nor the state Republican Party were involved in the lawsuit.Civitas sues to stop final NC vote count, cites concerns about same-day registration The Charlotte Observer November 22, 2016 https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article116403158.html Civitas cited a 2012 review conducted by the state Board of Elections that found 2.44% of voters who used same-day registration in 2012 failed the verification process, but the process was not completely finished when the ballots were counted. A court hearing is scheduled for December 8.In North Carolina, No End in Sight to Governor’s Race On November 26, the Durham County Republican Party's general counsel asked the state Board of Elections to hold an expedited hearing on his appeal of the Durham County Board of Elections' refusal to conduct a recount of that county's votes.NC elections board could consider key ballot appeal this week The Charlotte Observer November 27, 2016 https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article117403393.html The campaign stated they would withdraw their request for a statewide recount if a manual recount of Durham County votes produced the same results as were reported on election day.McCrory will withdraw recount demand if Durham votes recounted On November 30, the State Board of Elections ordered a recount of the Durham County votes. The recount was to be completed by 7 p.m. on December 5. However, by that morning, early results showed no change in the tally. McCrory announced on his campaign's YouTube channel that he was conceding the race to Cooper, saying that it was now clear that "the majority of our citizens had spoken." Official results North Carolina's gubernatorial election, 2016http://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/08/2016&county_id=0&office=COS&contest=0 North Carolina Official General Election Results North Carolina State Board of Elections November 8, 2016 January 5, 2017 Roy Cooper Democratic Party (United States) 2,309,157 49.02% +5.79% Pat McCrory (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 2,298,880 48.80% -5.82% Lon Cecil Libertarian Party (United States) 102,977 2.19% +0.06% 4,711,014 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Bladen (largest town: Elizabethtown) Gates (largest town: Gatesville) Martin (largest town: Williamston) Robeson (largest city: Lumberton) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Chatham (largest municipality: Siler City) Forsyth (largest town: Winston-Salem) Granville (largest city: Oxford) Jackson (largest town: Sylva) Mecklenburg (largest municipality: Charlotte) Nash (largest city: Rocky Mount) New Hanover (largest municipality: Wilmington) Wake (largest town: Raleigh) Watauga (largest town: Boone) right 300px Shift by county 300px Trend by county Legend #d40000 Republican — >15% #ff0000 Republican — +12.5−15% #ff2a2a Republican — +10−12.5% #ff5555 Republican — +7.5−10% #ff8080 Republican — +5−7.5% #ffaaaa Republican — +2.5−5% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0−2.5% #d5f6ff Democratic — +0−2.5% #aaeeff Democratic — +2.5−5% #77e3ff Democratic — +5−7.5% #4bdbff Democratic — +7.5-10% #09ceff Democratic — +10−12.5% #00bdec Democratic — +12.5−15% #00a1c8 Democratic — >15% 300px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold #0671b0 Flip Republican #f48882 Hold #ca0120 Flip Aftermath Following the election, the General Assembly, controlled by Republicans, passed legislation that would limit the incoming governor's powers. https://www.wsj.com/articles/north-carolina-lawmakers-head-for-showdown-1481908974 The Wall Street Journal December 16, 2016 North Carolina Governor Signs Bill Limiting His Successor's Power Democrats have referred to the move as a power grab, and Republicans have countered that Democrats have made similar moves when they controlled the legislature. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/16/us/pat-mccrory-roy-cooper-north-carolina.html The New York Times December 16, 2016 North Carolina Governor Signs Law Limiting Successor's Power Notes References 30em External links Pat McCrory (R) for Governor Roy Cooper (D) for Governor Daniel Orr (L) for Governor Governor 2016 North Carolina