2008 United States Senate election in North Carolina

none related races 2008 United States Senate elections 2008 North Carolina Senate election March 2026 December 2017 2008 United States Senate election in North Carolina North Carolina presidential no 2002 United States Senate election in North Carolina 2002 2014 United States Senate election in North Carolina 2014 November 4, 2008 150x150px Kay Hagan official photo (croppedB).jpg Kay Hagan Democratic Party (United States) 2,249,311 52.65% Elizabeth Dole official photo.jpg Elizabeth Dole Republican Party (United States) 1,887,510 44.18% 324px County results |324px Precinct results 1 324px Hagan: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Dole: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole Republican Party (United States) Kay Hagan Democratic Party (United States) The 2008 United States Senate election in North Carolina was held on November 4, 2008, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of North Carolina. Democratic state senator Kay Hagan defeated Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole. This was the first time in North Carolina history, and only the eighth time in U.S. history, that the two major-party candidates for a U.S. Senate seat were both women. Hagan became the first woman to defeat an incumbent woman in a U.S. Senate election. As of 2026, this is the last time that a Democrat won a U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, the only time since 1998, and the only time Democrats have won this seat since 1966. Republican primary Candidates Nominee Elizabeth Dole, incumbent U.S. senator (2003–2009) Eliminated in primary Pete DiLauro Results Republican primary resultsMay 13, 2008 05/06/2008 OFFICIAL PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=05/06/2008&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=1097 June 7, 2026 North Carolina State Board of Elections Republican Party (United States) Elizabeth Dole (incumbent) 460,665 90.0% Republican Party (United States) Pete DiLauro 51,406 10.0% 512,071 100.0% Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Kay Hagan, state senator from the 27th district (1999–2009) Eliminated in primary Duskin Lassiter, trucker Jim Neal, businessman Howard Staley, doctor Marcus Williams, attorney Declined Mike Easley, governor of North Carolina (2001–2009) Brad Miller, U.S. representative from North Carolina's 13th congressional district (2003–2013) Jim Hunt, former governor of North Carolina (1977–1985, 1993–2001) Campaign Hagan, initially an unknown politician, decided to challenge Elizabeth Dole. Perdue tries to whistle up a Mayberry miracle Raleigh News and Observer October 28, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com/659/story/1271433.html October 28, 2008 October 2010 H3llBot National Democrats attempted to recruit incumbent Governor Mike Easley to make the race. Easley declined to run, as did Congressman Brad Miller, who expressed interest in early 2007.newsobserver.com | Miller looking at Senate race https://web.archive.org/web/20070501095953/http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/563228.html May 1, 2007 Draft dodger? | newsobserver.com projects https://web.archive.org/web/20080501193438/http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/draft_dodger May 1, 2008 Former Governor Jim Hunt who was defeated in 1984 by Dole's predecessor Jesse Helms also declined to compete against Dole.http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351124457&path=!localnews&s=1037645509099 2008 Election Challenge. October 27, 2008 September 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212833/http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351124457&path=!localnews&s=1037645509099 dead Is the Southern Strategy Dead? American Prospect October 24, 2008 http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=is_the_southern_strategy_dead October 26, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20110810205539/http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=is_the_southern_strategy_dead August 10, 2011 dead Neal earned the endorsement of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. He also was endorsed by Blue America PAC, eQualityGiving, the Independent Weekly and YES ! Weekly.http://projects.newsobserver.com/profiles/jim_neal News & Observer Profile of U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Neal October 4, 2007 March 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080601224954/http://projects.newsobserver.com/profiles/jim_neal June 1, 2008 dead mdy-all Polling Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error KayHagan JimNeal MarcusWilliams Other UndecidedMason-Dixon Polling & StrategyApril 28–29, 2008400 (LV)± 4.9%42%17%5%3%Lassiter with 2% and Staley with 1%33% Results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Kay Hagan 801,920 60.1% Democratic Party (United States) Jim Neal 239,623 18.0% Democratic Party (United States) Marcus W. Williams 170,970 12.8% Democratic Party (United States) Duskin Lassiter 62,136 4.6% Democratic Party (United States) Howard Staley 60,403 4.5% 1,335,052 100.0% Libertarian primary Candidates Nominee Chris Cole, perennial candidate General election Campaign Elizabeth Dole#2008 Senate re-election campaign Kay Hagan#2008 election thumb|left|200px|Dole's attack ad, "Godless". thumb|Hagan on the campaign trail Dole was initially a heavy favorite for reelection, especially after several potential top-tier challengers such as Congressman Brad Miller, Governor Mike Easley and former Governor Jim Hunt all declined to compete against Dole. Ultimately, Kay Hagan, a state senator from Greensboro, won the Democratic primary election and became Dole's general election opponent. Reports late in the campaign suggested that Dole, once considered a safe bet for reelection, suffered from Barack Obama's decision to aggressively contest North Carolina in the presidential election. Scrambling the red states The Economist October 23, 2008 http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12480320 October 23, 2008 Hagan was initially given little chance against Dole, but Hagan was helped by independent 527 groups lobbying/advertising against incumbent Dole. The Democratic Senate Campaign Committee expended more money in North Carolina than in any other state during the 2008 election season. However, Dole benefited from more out-of-state funding overall than Hagan."Elizabeth Dole: Campaign Finance/Money - Summary." OpenSecrets http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?type=C&cid=N00008071&newMem=N&cycle= The efforts appeared to be effective, as Hagan began to take the lead in several polls beginning in September. Godless Americans ads In late October, Dole released a controversial television ad attacking Hagan for reportedly taking donations from individuals involved in the Godless Americans PAC, a group which advocates for the rights of people who do not believe in God. The ad also included a female voice saying, "There is no God."Kraushaar, Josh. Hagan's campaign says the ad sought to put inflammatory words in their candidate's mouth; The Dole campaign says the ad correctly shows who Hagan will associate with in order to raise campaign funds.Dole still keeping the faith. Politico. October 29, 2008.Brown, Campbell. Commentary: Mudslinging to get elected. CNN.com. October 29, 2008. The Dole campaign said the ad correctly shows who Hagan will associate with in order to raise campaign funds, and on November 1, Bob Dole also defended it, asserting that "it never questions her faith," and that "the issue is why she was there. There's no question about her faith. I think it's [the ad's] fair game."Bob Dole Defends "Godless" TV Ad. Small Business VoIP. November 1, 2008. Hagan, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a former Sunday school teacher, condemned the ad as "fabricated and pathetic," and, according to Hagan's campaign website, a cease and desist was "hand-delivered to Dole's Raleigh office, faxed to her Salisbury office and sent to her home at the Watergate in Washington, DC."KayHagan.com. Kay on Dole Ad Attacking Her Christian Faith: A Fabricated, Pathetic Ad https://web.archive.org/web/20120530054037/http://www.kayhagan.com/press/kay-on-dole-ad-attacking-her-christian-faith-a-fabricated-pathetic-ad May 30, 2012 . October 30, 2008. Hagan also filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court accusing Dole of defamation and libel.Dole Sued for 'Godless' Attack Ad https://web.archive.org/web/20160120042901/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/10/dole-sued-for-g.html January 20, 2016 , ABC News. October 30, 2008.Dole challenger irate over suggestion she is "godless". CNN.com. October 30, 2008. The ad has met exceptionally strong criticism from the public as well as many local and several national media outlets. CNN's Campbell Brown said about the ad: "[A]mid all the attack ads on the airwaves competing to out-ugly one another, we think we've found a winner."Brown, Campbell. Commentary: Mudslinging to get elected. CNN.com. October 29, 2008. The ad was harshly criticized in editorials in the The Chicago Tribune,Frank, James. Dole 'Godless' ad shows progress, sort of https://web.archive.org/web/20081108014100/http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/10/dole_godless_ad_shows_progress.html November 8, 2008 . Chicago Tribune. October 31, 2008. The Charlotte Observer,Dole's desperate turn to Big Lie advertising The Charlotte Observer October 30, 2008 http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/story/287109.html dead https://swap.stanford.edu/20090418191953/http%3A//www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/story/287109.html April 18, 2009 the Asheville Citizen-Times,As election nears, negative ads a distractionJuly 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes . Asheville Citizen-Times. October 30, 2008. and the Greensboro News & Record.Editorial: Dole's attack on Hagan's faith drives heated campaign lower. Greensboro News & Record. October 30, 2008.ELIZABETH DOLE ATTACKS KAY HAGAN'S CHRISTIAN FAITH https://web.archive.org/web/20130826235337/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/79773 August 26, 2013 . AmericanChronicle.com. November 2, 2008. Another ad issued by the Dole campaign in mid-October 2008 was described in The Fayetteville Observer as "[setting] the low mark in negative political campaigning."Dole's new ads set the low mark in negative political campaigning. The Fayetteville Observer. October 15, 2008. The Miami Herald reported that within 48 hours of the first ad airing, Hagan received over 3,600 contributions from major donors and atheists, agnostics and followers of other religious beliefs who felt they were being attacked by Dole.http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/766805.html Dole's mistake: 'Godless' ad drove donors, voters to Hagan Miami Herald November 11, 2008 November 18, 2008October 2010 H3llBot Following the second ad, Hagan's lead doubled according to some polls. Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 The Cook Political Report April 1, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160336/https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 dead TossupOctober 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 CQ Politics Lean D FlipOctober 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Senate ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings Inside Elections April 1, 2021 Lean D FlipNovember 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html Real Clear Politics August 31, 2021 TossupNovember 2, 2008 Polling Aggregate polls Source of pollaggregationDatesadministeredDatesupdated ElizabethDole (R) KayHagan (D) Other/UndecidedCalculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.MarginRealClearPolitics2008 North Carolina Senate https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2008/north-carolina/dole-vs-hagan May 25, 2026 RealClearPoliticsOctober 28–November 2, 2008November 2, 200845.0%49.3%6.7%Hagan +4.3% Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error ElizabethDole (R) KayHagan (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling (D)Debnam Dean November 3, 2008 North Carolina too close to call http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1103173.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090203183602/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1103173.pdf February 3, 2009 June 4, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 31 – November 2, 20082,100 (LV)± 2.1%44%51%3%Chris Cole (L) with 3%1%SurveyUSANovember 3, 2008 North Carolina Senate Race Snaps into Focus, But President & Governor's Contests Are Still a Coin Toss on Election Eve https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=dbe1ab15-bdcc-4503-9a25-caa47a4952d1 https://web.archive.org/web/20081107055105/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=dbe1ab15-bdcc-4503-9a25-caa47a4952d1 November 7, 2008 June 1, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVDOctober 30 – November 2, 2008682 (LV)± 3.8%43%50%5%Chris Cole (L) with 5%2%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategyOctober 29–30, 2008625 (LV)–46%45%–9%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff October 31, 2008 NC-Pres, Gov, Sen: Tight but leading https://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/163337/61 https://web.archive.org/web/20081103092858/https://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/163337/61 November 3, 2008 June 4, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1October 28–30, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%45%50%3%2%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 30, 2008 Election 2008: North Carolina Senate North Carolina Senate: Hagan Leads by Six http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/north_carolina/election_2008_north_carolina_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20081227200609/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/north_carolina/election_2008_north_carolina_senate December 27, 2008 June 1, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsOctober 29, 2008700 (LV)± 4.0%46%52%–2%Tel Opinion Research (R)Civitas Staff October 31, 2008 Civitas NC Poll: Final Poll – Too Close to Call! http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/civitas-nc-poll-final-poll-too-close-call https://web.archive.org/web/20090212013825/http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/civitas-nc-poll-final-poll-too-close-call February 12, 2009 Civitas InstituteCOctober 27–29, 2008600 (LV)± 4.2%43%45%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%7%CNN/TIME/Opinion Research CorporationSteinhauser Paul October 31, 2008 Democrats gaining ground in crucial Senate race http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/31/democrats-gaining-ground-in-crucial-senate-race/ https://web.archive.org/web/20081103121240/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/31/democrats-gaining-ground-in-crucial-senate-race/ November 3, 2008 June 7, 2026 CNNOctober 23–28, 2008667 (LV)± 4.0%44%53%–3%Financial DynamicsPoll commissioned by Allstate and National JournalOctober 23–27, 2008402 (RV)± 4.9%37%43%–20%Public Policy Polling (D)Jenson Tom October 27, 2008 NC Races Tighten https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1027484.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029034000/https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1027484.pdf October 29, 2008 June 7, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 25–26, 20081,038 (LV)± 2.8%45%48%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%3%GfK Roper Public Affairs & MediaTHE AP-GfK BATTLEGROUND STATE POLL http://www.ap-gfkpoll.com/pdf/AP-GfK_Poll_Topline_10_28_2008.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090121044138/http://www.ap-gfkpoll.com/pdf/AP-GfK_Poll_Topline_10_28_2008.pdf January 21, 2009 Associated PressPoll commissioned by the Associated PressOctober 22–26, 2008601 (LV)± 4.0%43%47%7%Chris Cole (L) with 2%, Neither/Other candidate with 5%, Refused with 1%1%Mason-Dixon Polling & StrategyNBC News/Mason-Dixon Poll North Carolina http://www.wral.com/asset/news/local/politics/2008/10/29/3848020/newsenatepoll.swf https://web.archive.org/web/20090203183551/http://www.wral.com/asset/news/local/politics/2008/10/29/3848020/newsenatepoll.swf February 3, 2009 June 7, 2026 NBC NewsPoll commissioned by NBC NewsOctober 22–24, 2008800 (LV)± 3.5%46%42%3%Chris Cole (L) with 3%9%Marshall Marketing & CommunicationsOctober 22, 2008 New WSOC Poll Shows Political Races Still Close, Economy Top Of Mind https://www.wsoctv.com/politics/17778727/detail.html https://web.archive.org/web/20081023225218/https://www.wsoctv.com/politics/17778727/detail.html October 23, 2008 June 7, 2026 WSOCPoll commissioned by WSOCOctober 20–21, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%43%44%5%8%Tel Opinion Research (R)COctober 18–20, 2008600 (RV)± 4.2%41%44%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%11%SurveyUSAOctober 21, 2008 Flip a Coin North Carolina 2008 https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=73cdcb54-f808-4353-adb7-2fd69b8e66aa https://web.archive.org/web/20081024194707/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=73cdcb54-f808-4353-adb7-2fd69b8e66aa October 24, 2008 June 1, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVDOctober 18–20, 2008627 (LV)± 4.0%45%46%5%Chris Cole (L) with 5%3%Public Policy Polling (D)Jenson Tom October 20, 2008 Obama, Hagan expand NC leads https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1020562.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029033958/https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1020562.pdf October 29, 2008 June 7, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 18–19, 20081,200 (LV)± 2.8%42%49%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%5%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff October 18, 2008 NC-Gov, NC-Sen, NC-Pres: Dems lead two out of three tight races https://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/18/13401/601 https://web.archive.org/web/20081021035036/https://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/18/13401/601 October 21, 2008 June 7, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1October 14–15, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%45%49%3%3%Public Policy Polling (D)Jenson Tom October 13, 2008 Obama continues to hold small lead in NC https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1013345.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081023165104/https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_1013345.pdf October 23, 2008 June 7, 2026 Public Policy PollingOctober 11–12, 20081,196 (LV)± 2.8%44%46%5%Chris Cole (L) with 5%5%Rasmussen ReportsOctober 8, 2008700 (LV)–44%49%–7%Tel Opinion Research (R)COctober 6–8, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%42%45%2%Chris Cole (L) with 2%11%WSOC-TVNew Report North Carolina Poll https://www.wsoctv.com/download/2008/1009/17671509.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029033942/https://www.wsoctv.com/download/2008/1009/17671509.pdf October 29, 2008 June 7, 2026 WSOCOctober 6–7, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%43%44%4%9%SurveyUSAOctober 7, 2008 North Carolina Democrat Hagan in Fierce Fight to Take-Away Republican Dole's US Senate Seat https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=30346fbd-c1c5-4a14-a552-8578cdf7c31f https://web.archive.org/web/20081009020841/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=30346fbd-c1c5-4a14-a552-8578cdf7c31f October 9, 2008 June 1, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVDOctober 5–6, 2008617 (LV)± 4.0%44%43%7%Chris Cole (L) with 7%6%Public Policy Polling (D)Jenson Tom September 29, 2008 Obama takes lead, Hagan expands it in NC http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_929.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081001080210/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_929.pdf October 1, 2008 June 1, 2026 Public Policy PollingSeptember 28–29, 20081,041 (LV)± 3.0%38%46%6%Chris Cole (L) with 6%10%Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 23, 2008500 (LV)–45%48%–7%Tel Opinion Research (R)Civitas Staff September 22, 2008 NC Poll: Dole 43 – Hagan 41 http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/nc-poll-dole-43-hagan-41 https://web.archive.org/web/20081012114634/http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/nc-poll-dole-43-hagan-41 October 12, 2008 May 31, 2008 Civitas InstituteSeptember 20, 2008 North Carolina Survey September 2008 http://www.nccivitas.org/files/Senate%20September%20CTs.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081023164837/http://www.nccivitas.org/files/Senate%20September%20CTs.pdf October 23, 2008 May 31, 2026CSeptember 17–20, 2008600 (RV)± 4.2%43%41%5%Chris Cole (L) with 5%11%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam September 21, 2008 Concern over economy pushes Obama into NC tie http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_92168.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081009002529/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_92168.pdf October 9, 2008 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingSeptember 17–19, 20081,060 (LV)± 3.0%41%46%6%Chris Cole (L) with 6%7%Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 18, 2008500 (LV)–45%51%–4%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff September 11, 2008 NC-Sen, Pres, Gov: Our latest polling http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/11/14030/7529/890/595082 https://web.archive.org/web/20080913192217/http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/11/14030/7529/890/595082 September 13, 2008 May 31, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1September 8–10, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%48%42%4%6%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam September 10, 2008 Republicans get small convention bounce http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_910.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081029033946/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_910.pdf October 29, 2008 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingSeptember 9, 2008626 (LV)± 3.9%42%43%6%Chris Cole (L) with 6%9%SurveyUSASeptember 9, 2008 In Face of Stiff Opposition, Dole Holds Her Ground, Adds to Modest Lead https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4fd3b4f0-7649-4982-99df-fb2a2eb9c455 https://web.archive.org/web/20080910083215/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4fd3b4f0-7649-4982-99df-fb2a2eb9c455 September 10, 2008 May 31, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVDSeptember 6–8, 2008671 (LV)± 3.9%48%40%7%Chris Cole (L) with 7%5%Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group (D)Poll sponsored by Perdue's gubernatorial campaignSeptember 5–7, 2008605 (LV)–48%46%–6%Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (D)August 26, 2008 Democracy Corps...North Carolina Statewide http://www.democracycorps.com/wp-content/files/ncsw082608fq1.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080904051512/http://www.democracycorps.com/wp-content/files/ncsw082608fq1.pdf September 4, 2008 May 31, 2008 Democracy CorpPoll sponsored by Democracy CorpAugust 20–26, 2008852 (LV)± 3.4%45%50%–6%InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion ResearchBaxter Tom August 20, 2008 InsiderAdvantage/Poll Position:McCain holds narrow lead, Dole-Hagan tied in North Carolina http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_820_528.aspx https://web.archive.org/web/20080917195054/http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_820_528.aspx September 17, 2008 May 31, 2008 Southern Political ReportAugust 19, 2008 InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion Research North Carolina Presidential Election Poll http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/downloads/uploaded/56_InsiderAdvantage%20Majority%20Opinion%20Research%20NC%20Pres%20Poll%20Cross-Tabulations%208%2019%2008%20rev.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080909214605/http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/downloads/uploaded/56_InsiderAdvantage%20Majority%20Opinion%20Research%20NC%20Pres%20Poll%20Cross-Tabulations%208%2019%2008%20rev.pdf September 9, 2008 May 31, 2008 InsiderAdvantageAugust 19, 2008614 (LV)± 3.8%40%40%7%14%Tel Opinion Research (R)CAugust 14–17, 2008600 (LV)± 4.2%44%41%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%11%SurveyUSAAugust 12, 2008 Libertarian Puts Speed-Bump On the Road to Elizabeth Dole's Re-Election Party in NC https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=37ad0e6c-ca43-47b8-88bb-43e016a61cb8 https://web.archive.org/web/20080813094809/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=37ad0e6c-ca43-47b8-88bb-43e016a61cb8 August 13, 2008 May 31, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVD Poll sponsored by WTVD-TVAugust 9–11, 2008655 (LV)± 3.9%46%41%7%Chris Cole (L) with 7%5%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff August 1, 2008 NC-Sen: Within range, and NC-Pres is tight https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/1/11502/03541/243/560118/ https://web.archive.org/web/20080805060856/https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/1/11502/03541/243/560118/ August 5, 2008 May 31, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1July 28–30, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%50%42%–8%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam July 29, 2008 McCain, Obama in NC holding pattern http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_729.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081009205633/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_729.pdf October 9, 2008 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingJuly 23–27, 2008823 (LV)± 3.4%49%40%4%Chris Cole (L) with 4%7%Tel Opinion Research (R)CJuly 14–16, 2008600 (RV)± 4.0%47%38%2%Chris Cole (L) with 2%13%Rasmussen ReportsJuly 15, 2008 Toplines - North Carolina Senate - July 15, 2008 http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_july_15_2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081011201707/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_july_15_2008 October 11, 2008 May 31, 2008 Rasmussen ReportsJuly 15, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%53%41%1%4%SurveyUSAJuly 15, 2008 Incumbent GOP Senator Dole Widens Lead Over Democrat Hagan in NC Senate Race https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=33a849dc-9505-46ad-b14f-81bb388ea53f https://web.archive.org/web/20080718155845/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=33a849dc-9505-46ad-b14f-81bb388ea53f July 18, 2008 May 31, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVDJuly 12–14, 2008676 (LV)± 3.8%54%42%–4%Tarrance Group (R)Poll sponsored by Dole's campaignJuly 7–9, 2008550 (LV)± 4.2%51%36%6%Chris Cole (L) with 6%7%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam July 1, 2008 McCain, Obama Still Close in North Carolina http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC701.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080703172314/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC701.pdf July 3, 2008 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingJune 26–29, 20081,048 (LV)± 3.0%51%37%–12%Tel Opinion Research (R)De Luca Francis June 17, 2008 N.C. Poll: McCain Leads Obama 45-41 http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/n-c-poll-mccain-leads-obama-45-41 https://web.archive.org/web/20080618003522/http://www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/n-c-poll-mccain-leads-obama-45-41 June 18, 2008 May 31, 2026 Civitas InstituteCivitas Files 2008 North Carolina Poll http://www.nccivitas.org/files/june08-senate.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080828115159/http://www.nccivitas.org/files/june08-senate.pdf August 28, 2008 May 31, 2026 Civitas InstituteCJune 11–13, 2008600 (RV)± 4.0%48%38%1%Chris Cole (L) with 1%13%Rasmussen ReportsJune 12, 2008 Election 2008: North Carolina Senate North Carolina Senate: Dole Takes 14-Point Lead Over Hagan https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/north_carolina/election_2008_north_carolina_senate https://web.archive.org/web/20080622183541/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/north_carolina/election_2008_north_carolina_senate June 22, 2008 May 31, 2008 Rasmussen ReportsJune 10, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%53%39%2%3%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam June 2, 2008 Barr could stir race in North Carolina http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_060208.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191914/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_060208.pdf March 24, 2009 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingMay 28–29, 2008543 (LV)± 4.2%47%39%–14%Anzalone Liszt Research (D)Wilson Reid 2008 North Carolina Senate Polls RCP https://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/senate_north_carolina/ May 31, 2026 RealClearPoliticsPoll sponsored by Hagan's campaignMay 14–21, 2008800 (LV)± 3.5%48%44%–8%SurveyUSAMay 20, 2008 Democrat Hagan Breaks from Gate Hot on the Tail of Incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole in NC Senate Fight https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=fa7608f3-5a70-4498-812c-31b0433ddd67 https://web.archive.org/web/20080526110144/https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=fa7608f3-5a70-4498-812c-31b0433ddd67 May 26, 2008 May 31, 2026 SurveyUSAWTVD Poll sponsored by WTVD-TVMay 17–19, 2008713 (LV)± 3.7%50%46%–4%Tel Opinion Research (R)Civitas Staff May 23, 2008 NC Poll: Dole Leads Hagan 45-43 http://jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/nc-poll-dole-leads-hagan-45-43 https://web.archive.org/web/20101125114707/http://jwpcivitasinstitute.org/media/press-releases/nc-poll-dole-leads-hagan-45-43 November 25, 2010 May 31, 2026 Civitas InstituteC Poll sponsored by the Civitas Institute May 14–17, 2008800 (RV)± 3.7%45%43%–12%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam May 12, 2008 Senate race tightening; McCain leads both Dems http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_051208.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191918/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_051208.pdf March 24, 2009 May 31, 2026 Public Policy PollingMay 8–9, 2008616 (LV)± 4.0%48%43%–10%Rasmussen ReportsMay 8, 2008 Toplines - North Carolina Senate Election - May 8, 2008 http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_election_may_8_2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080515214757/http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_election_may_8_2008 May 15, 2008 May 31, 2008 Rasmussen ReportsMay 8, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%47%48%2%3%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff May 1, 2008 NC-Sen, pres: latest dKos poll https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/1/122149/4184/419/507058 https://web.archive.org/web/20080506025903/https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/1/122149/4184/419/507058 May 6, 2008 May 31, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1 Poll sponsored by Daily KosApril 28–30, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%48%41%–11%Rasmussen ReportsApril 10, 2008 Toplines - North Carolina Senate - April 10, 2008 http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_april_10_2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080621171116/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/toplines_north_carolina_senate_april_10_2008 June 21, 2008 May 30, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsApril 10, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%52%39%3%6%Public Policy Polling (D)Dean Debnam February 19, 2008 McCain General Election Favorite in NC, but closer than usual https://e1.nmcdn.io/assets/ppp/pdf/PPP_Release_021908.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191916/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_021908.pdf March 24, 2009 May 30, 2026 Public Policy PollingFebruary 18, 2008686 (LV)± 3.7%50%33%–18%Rasmussen ReportsDecember 19, 2007 North Carolina Toplines - December 19, 2007 https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/north_carolina_toplines_december_19_2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071230043419/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/north_carolina_toplines_december_19_2007 December 30, 2007 May 30, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsDecember 19, 2007500 (LV)± 4.5%55%35%4%6%Research 2000Daily Kos Staff December 19, 2007 NC-Sen: Baseline poll, Dole under 50 https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2007/12/19/424295/news/NC-Sen-Baseline-poll-Dole-under-50/ https://web.archive.org/web/20260530213059/https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2007/12/19/424295/news/NC-Sen-Baseline-poll-Dole-under-50/ May 30, 2026 May 30, 2026 Daily KosDailyKos1December 16–18, 2007600 (LV)± 4.0%46%39%–15% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Elizabeth Dole vs. Mike Easley Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error ElizabethDole (R) MikeEasley (D) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportOctober 18, 2007 North Carolina Toplines - October 18, 2007 http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/north_carolina_toplines_october_18_2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080422005456/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/state_toplines/north_carolina/north_carolina_toplines_october_18_2007 April 22, 2008 May 30, 2026 Rasmussen ReportsOctober 17, 2007500 (LV)± 4.5%42%50%3%"Some other candidate" with 3%4%Public Policy Polling (D)Kane Dan Christensen Rob Curliss Andrew January 25, 2007 Former trooper ends Highway Patrol lawsuit http://www.newsobserver.com/659/story/535828.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080918135433/http://www.newsobserver.com/659/story/535828.html September 18, 2008 May 30, 2026 News ObserverJanuary 22, 2007501 (LV)± 4.3%41%44%–15% Elizabeth Dole vs. Brad Miller Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error ElizabethDole (R) BradMiller (D) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling (D)Debnam Dean April 12, 2007 Miller within striking distance of Dole http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/news/PPP_Release_0401207.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20070510000615/http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/news/PPP_Release_0401207.pdf May 10, 2007 June 7, 2026 Public Policy PollingApril 11, 2007556 (LV)± 4.1%44%33%22% Elizabeth Dole vs. Jim Neal Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeKey:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear "Key" Marginof error ElizabethDole (R) JimNeal (D) Other UndecidedResearch 2000DailyKos1April 28–30, 2008600 (LV)± 4.0%49%39%–12%Rasmussen ReportsApril 10, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%51%37%3%8%Public Policy Polling (D)February 18, 2008686 (LV)± 3.7%50%29%–20%Research 2000DailyKos1December 16–18, 2007600 (LV)± 4.0%47%37%–16% Results 2008 United States Senate election in North CarolinaNC State Board of Elections website Democratic Party (United States) Kay Hagan 2,249,311 52.65% +7.7% Republican Party (United States) Elizabeth Dole (incumbent) 1,887,510 44.18% -9.4% Libertarian Party (United States) Chris Cole 133,430 3.17% +2.1% 1,719 0.0% 0.0% 4,271,970 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Perquimans (Largest city: Hertford) Camden (Largest city: Camden) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Franklin (Largest city: Wake Forest) Montgomery (Largest city: Troy) Nash (largest municipality: Rocky Mount) New Hanover (largest municipality: Wilmington) Watauga (largest municipality: Boone) Alamance (largest municipality: Burlington) Brunswick (largest municipality: Leland) Greene (largest municipality: Snow Hill) Lee (largest municipality: Sanford) Person (largest municipality: Roxboro) Rockingham (largest municipality: Eden) Pender (largest municipality: Hampstead) Sampson (largest municipality: Clinton) Washington (largest municipality: Plymouth) Guilford (Largest city: Greensboro) Mecklenburg (Largest city: Charlotte) Tyrrell (largest municipality: Columbia) Buncombe (largest town: Asheville) Forsyth (largest town: Winston-Salem) Pitt (largest town: Greenville) Wake (largest town: Raleigh) Wilson (largest town: Wilson) Lenoir (largest town: Kinston) Analysis In the 2008 election, Dole lost by a wider-than-expected margin, taking only 44 percent of the vote to Hagan's 53 percent – the widest margin for a Senate race in North Carolina in 30 years, and the largest margin of defeat for an incumbent Senator in the 2008 cycle. It has been speculated that the outcry over the "Godless" ads contributed to Dole's loss.http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/757856.html N.C. voters deny Dole, elect Hagan to U.S. Senate Miami Herald Barbara Barrett November 5, 2008 November 5, 2008 Hagan trounced Dole in the state's five largest counties – Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford, Forsyth and Durham. Hagan also dominated most of the eastern portion of the state, which had been the backbone of Helms' past Senate victories. While Dole dominated the Charlotte suburbs and most of the heavily Republican Foothills region, it was not enough to save her seat. See also 2008 United States Senate elections Notes Partisan clients References External links Kay Hagan sues Elizabeth Dole over "Godless" television advertisement North Carolina State Board of Elections U.S. Congress candidates for North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20081024042254/http://www.votesmart.org/election_congress_state.php?state_id=NC&go33.x=9&go33.y=10 October 24, 2008 at Project Vote Smart North Carolina, U.S. Senate from CQ Politics North Carolina U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Dole vs Hagan graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Official campaign websites (Archived) Elizabeth Dole, Republican nominee Kay Hagan, Democratic nominee Jim Neal, Democratic candidate 2008 North Carolina United States Senate