# 2018 North Carolina Senate election

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vte :
The 2018 North Carolina Senate elections elected 50 members to serve in the North Carolina Senate for a two-year term starting in January 2019. The Democratic Party gained six seats in this election, ending the Republican supermajority that they had held since 2011 in the state senate.
52.98% of registered voters cast ballots in this election, marking the highest turnout for a midterm election in North Carolina since 1990.

## Results summary

| District | Incumbent | Party | Party | Elected | Party |
| 1st | Bill Cook† | | Rep | Bob Steinburg | Rep |
| 2nd | Norman W. Sanderson | | Rep | Norman W. Sanderson | Rep |
| 3rd | Erica Smith | | Dem | Erica Smith | Dem |
| 4th | Toby Fitch | | Dem | Toby Fitch | Dem |
| 5th | Don Davis | | Dem | Don Davis | Dem |
| 6th | Harry Brown | | Rep | Harry Brown | Rep |
| 7th | Louis M. Pate Jr. | | Rep | Louis M. Pate Jr. | Rep |
| 8th | Bill Rabon | | Rep | Bill Rabon | Rep |
| 9th | Michael V. Lee | | Rep | Harper Peterson | Dem |
| 10th | Brent Jackson | | Rep | Brent Jackson | Rep |
| 11th | Rick Horner | | Rep | Rick Horner | Rep |
| 12th | Ronald Rabin† | | Rep | Jim Burgin | Rep |
| 13th | Danny Britt | | Rep | Danny Britt | Rep |
| 14th | Dan Blue | | Dem | Dan Blue | Dem |
| 15th | Jay Chaudhuri | | Dem | Jay Chaudhuri | Dem |
| 16th | New seat | New seat | New seat | Wiley Nickel | Dem |
| 17th | Tamara P. Barringer | | Rep | Sam Searcy | Dem |
| 18th | John M. Alexander Jr. | | Rep | John M. Alexander Jr. | Rep |
| 18th | Chad Barefoot† | | Rep | John M. Alexander Jr. | Rep |
| 19th | Wesley Meredith | | Rep | Kirk deViere | Dem |
| 20th | Floyd McKissick Jr. | | Dem | Floyd McKissick Jr. | Dem |
| 21st | Ben Clark | | Dem | Ben Clark | Dem |
| 22nd | Mike Woodard | | Dem | Mike Woodard | Dem |
| 23rd | Valerie Foushee | | Dem | Valerie Foushee | Dem |
| 24th | Rick Gunn | | Rep | Rick Gunn | Rep |
| 25th | Tom McInnis | | Rep | Tom McInnis | Rep |
| 26th | Jerry W. Tillman | | Rep | Jerry W. Tillman | Rep |
| 27th | Trudy Wade | | Rep | Michael Garrett | Dem |
| 28th | Gladys A. Robinson | | Dem | Gladys A. Robinson | Dem |
| 29th | Cathy Dunn† | | Rep | Eddie Gallimore | Rep |
| 30th | Phil Berger | | Rep | Phil Berger | Rep |
| 31st | Joyce Krawiec | | Rep | Joyce Krawiec | Rep |
| 31st | Dan Barrett | | Rep | Joyce Krawiec | Rep |
| 32nd | Paul A. Lowe Jr. | | Dem | Paul A. Lowe Jr. | Dem |
| 33rd | New seat | New seat | New seat | Carl Ford | Rep |
| 34th | New seat | New seat | New seat | Vickie Sawyer | Rep |
| 35th | Tommy Tucker† | | Rep | Todd Johnson | Rep |
| 36th | Paul Newton | | Rep | Paul Newton | Rep |
| 37th | Jeff Jackson | | Dem | Jeff Jackson | Dem |
| 38th | Joel Ford | | Dem | Mujtaba Mohammed | Dem |
| 39th | Dan Bishop | | Rep | Dan Bishop | Rep |
| 40th | Joyce Waddell | | Dem | Joyce Waddell | Dem |
| 41st | Jeff Tarte | | Rep | Natasha Marcus | Dem |
| 42nd | Andy Wells | | Rep | Andy Wells | Rep |
| 43rd | Kathy Harrington | | Rep | Kathy Harrington | Rep |
| 44th | David L. Curtis | | Rep | Ted Alexander | Rep |
| 45th | Deanna Ballard | | Rep | Deanna Ballard | Rep |
| 45th | Shirley B. Randleman | | Rep | Deanna Ballard | Rep |
| 46th | Warren Daniel | | Rep | Warren Daniel | Rep |
| 47th | Ralph Hise | | Rep | Ralph Hise | Rep |
| 48th | Chuck Edwards | | Rep | Chuck Edwards | Rep |
| 49th | Terry Van Duyn | | Dem | Terry Van Duyn | Dem |
| 50th | Jim Davis | | Rep | Jim Davis | Rep |
† - Incumbent not seeking re-election
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | Votes | Votes | Seats | Seats | Seats |
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | No. | % | No. | +/– | % |
| | Republican Party | 50 | 1,816,854 | 48.995% | 29 | 6 | 58% |
| | Democratic Party | 50 | 1,856,838 | 50.074% | 21 | 6 | 42% |
| | Libertarian Party | 14 | 33,219 | 0.896% | 0 | | 0% |
| | Constitution Party | 1 | 1,301 | 0.035% | 0 | | 0% |
| Total | Total | 32 | 3,708,212 | 100.00% | 50 | | 100.00% |
Senate seats
Republican
58%
Democratic
42% :
Popular vote
Democratic
50.074%
Republican
48.995%
Libertarian
0.896%
Constitution
0.035% :

### Close races

Districts where the margin of victory was under 10%:
* District 9, 0.27% (gain)
* District 19, 0.74% (gain)
* District 27, 1.04% (gain)
* District 18, 2.55%
* District 17, 4.25% (gain)
* District 39, 5.78%
* District 1, 6.42%
* District 3, 7.72%
* District 24, 7.72%
* District 7, 7.8%

### Incumbents defeated in primary election

* Shirley B. Randleman (R-District 30), lost a redistricting race to Deanna Ballard (R-District 45)
* Dan Barrett (R-District 34), lost a redistricting race to Joyce Krawiec (R-District 31)
* Joel Ford (D-District 38), defeated by Mujtaba Mohammed (D)
* David L. Curtis (R-District 44), defeated by Ted Alexander (R)

### Incumbents defeated in general election

* Michael V. Lee (R-District 9), defeated by Harper Peterson (D)
* Tamara P. Barringer (R-District 17), defeated by Sam Searcy (D)
* Wesley Meredith (R-District 19), defeated by Kirk deViere (D)
* Trudy Wade (R-District 27), defeated by Michael Garrett (D)
* Jeff Tarte (R-District 41), defeated by Natasha Marcus (D)

### Open seats that changed parties

* Jay Chaudhuri (D-District 16), instead ran in the 15th district, seat won by Wiley Nickel (D)

## Predictions

| Source | Ranking | As of |
| Governing | Likely R | October 8, 2018 |

## Detailed results
### Districts 1–25
#### District 1

Incumbent Republican Bill Cook had represented the 1st district since 2013. Cook did not seek re-election. Representative Bob Steinburg won the open seat.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 1 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Bob Steinburg | 39,815 | 53.21% |
| | Democratic | D. Cole Phelps | 35,017 | 46.79% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 74,832 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 2

Incumbent Republican Norman W. Sanderson had represented the 2nd district since 2013.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 2 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Norman W. Sanderson (incumbent) | 42,898 | 61.78% |
| | Democratic | Ginger Garner | 24,644 | 35.49% |
| | Libertarian | Tim Harris | 1,894 | 2.73% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 69,436 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 3

Incumbent Democrat Erica Smith had represented the 3rd district since 2015.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 3 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Erica Smith (incumbent) | 33,942 | 53.86% |
| | Republican | C. (Chuck) Earley Jr. | 29,082 | 46.14% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 63,024 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 4

Incumbent Democrat Toby Fitch had represented the 4th district since 2018. Fitch won his first full term.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 4 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Toby Fitch (incumbent) | 36,471 | 57.77% |
| | Republican | Richard Scott | 25,391 | 40.22% |
| | Libertarian | Jesse Shearin | 1,264 | 2.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 63,126 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 5

Incumbent Democrat Don Davis had represented the 5th district since 2013 and previously from 2009 to 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 5 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Don Davis (incumbent) | 36,321 | 55.34% |
| | Republican | Kimberly Robb | 29,317 | 44.66% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,638 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 6

Incumbent Republican Majority Leader Harry Brown had represented the 6th district since 2004. District 6 had the lowest number of votes cast in any district election in 2018.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 6 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Harry Brown (incumbent) | 27,228 | 65.07% |
| | Democratic | Joseph (Joe) Webb | 14,615 | 34.93% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 41,843 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 7

Incumbent Republican Louis M. Pate Jr. had represented the 7th district and its predecessors since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 7 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Louis M. Pate Jr. (incumbent) | 30,329 | 53.90% |
| | Democratic | David B. Brantley | 25,940 | 46.10% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 56,269 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 8

Incumbent Republican Bill Rabon had represented the 8th district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 8 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Bill Rabon (incumbent) | 55,024 | 58.55% |
| | Democratic | David W. Sink Jr. | 36,191 | 38.51% |
| | Libertarian | Anthony H. Mascolo | 2,764 | 2.94% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 93,979 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 9

Incumbent Republican Michael Lee had represented the 9th district since 2014. Lee was defeated for re-election by Democrat Harper Peterson.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 9 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Harper Peterson | 42,257 | 48.60% |
| | Republican | Michael Lee (incumbent) | 42,026 | 48.33% |
| | Libertarian | Ethan Bickley | 2,671 | 3.07% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 86,954 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

#### District 10

Incumbent Republican Brent Jackson had represented the 10th district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 10 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Brent Jackson (incumbent) | 33,366 | 62.46% |
| | Democratic | Vernon R. Moore | 20,057 | 37.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,423 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 11

Incumbent Republican Rick Horner had represented the 11th district since 2017.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 11 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Rick Horner (incumbent) | 45,768 | 56.49% |
| | Democratic | Albert R. Pacer | 35,258 | 43.51% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 81,026 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 12

Incumbent Republican Ronald Rabin had represented the 12th district since 2013. Rabin did not seek re-election. Republican Jim Burgin won the open seat.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 12 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jim Burgin | 34,931 | 60.00% |
| | Democratic | Jean Sivoli | 23,290 | 40.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 58,221 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 13

Incumbent Republican Danny Britt had represented the 13th district since 2017.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 13 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Danny Britt (incumbent) | 31,106 | 62.50% |
| | Democratic | John Campbell | 18,661 | 37.50% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,767 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 14

Incumbent Democrat Dan Blue had represented the 14th district since 2009.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 14 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Dan Blue (incumbent) | 55,035 | 71.36% |
| | Republican | Sandy Andrews | 19,951 | 25.87% |
| | Libertarian | Richard Haygood | 2,138 | 2.77% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 77,124 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 15

Following redistricting, the old 16th district became the new 15th district. Incumbent Democrat Jay Chaudhuri who had represented the 16th district since 2016, successfully sought re-election. Brian Lewis won the highest percentage vote of any Libertarian State Senate candidate in 2018, with 3.61%.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 15 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jay Chaudhuri (incumbent) | 60,805 | 73.10% |
| | Republican | Alan David Michael | 19,365 | 23.28% |
| | Libertarian | Brian Lewis | 3,005 | 3.61% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 83,175 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 16

Following redistricting, the new 16th district is an open seat which is expected to favor Democrats. Brian Irving won the highest number of votes of any Libertarian State Senate candidate in 2018 with 3,382 votes.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 16 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wiley Nickel | 63,335 | 65.28% |
| | Republican | Paul Smith | 30,308 | 31.24% |
| | Libertarian | Brian Irving | 3,382 | 3.49% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 97,025 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) |

#### District 17

Incumbent Republican Tamara P. Barringer had represented the 17th district since 2013. Following redistricting, this seat was made more competitive. Barringer lost re-election to Democrat Sam Searcy.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 17 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Searcy | 50,040 | 50.60% |
| | Republican | Tamara P. Barringer (incumbent) | 45,841 | 46.35% |
| | Libertarian | Bruce Basson | 3,016 | 3.05% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 98,897 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

#### District 18

Following redistricting, Incumbent Republicans Chad Barefoot and John M. Alexander Jr. had their homes both drawn into the new 18th district. The new 18th district, unlike the former 15th and 18th districts, is a competitive district which isn't safe for either party. Chad Barefoot retired, while John M. Alexander Jr. narrowly won re-election. The election in District 18 had the highest number of votes cast of any district election in the 2018 elections.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 18 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John M. Alexander Jr. (incumbent) | 51,794 | 49.90% |
| | Democratic | Mack Paul | 49,155 | 47.35% |
| | Libertarian | Brad Hessel | 2,855 | 2.75% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 103,804 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 19

Incumbent Republican Wesley Meredith had represented the 19th district since 2011. Meredith lost re-election to Democrat Kirk deViere.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 19 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Kirk deViere | 29,815 | 50.37% |
| | Republican | Wesley Meredith (incumbent) | 29,382 | 49.63% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,197 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

#### District 20

Incumbent Democrat Floyd McKissick Jr. had represented the 20th district since 2007.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 20 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Floyd McKissick Jr. (incumbent) | 74,205 | 83.52% |
| | Republican | Tom Stark | 12,309 | 13.85% |
| | Libertarian | Jared Erickson | 2,331 | 2.62% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 88,845 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 21

Incumbent Democrat Ben Clark had represented the 21st district since 2013.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 21 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Ben Clark (incumbent) | 33,238 | 70.94% |
| | Republican | Timothy Leever | 13,616 | 29.06% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 46,854 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 22

Incumbent Democrat Mike Woodard had represented the 22nd district since 2013.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 22 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mike Woodard (incumbent) | 46,153 | 61.81% |
| | Republican | Rickey (Rick) Padgett | 26,989 | 36.14% |
| | Libertarian | Ray Ubinger | 1,527 | 2.05% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 74,669 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 23

Incumbent Democrat Valerie Foushee had represented the 23rd district since 2013.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 23 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Valerie Foushee (incumbent) | 73,332 | 71.29% |
| | Republican | Tom Glendinning | 29,530 | 28.71% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 102,862 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 24

Incumbent Republican Rick Gunn had represented the 24th district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 24 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Rick Gunn (incumbent) | 42,324 | 53.86% |
| | Democratic | J. D. Wooten | 36,255 | 46.14% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 78,579 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 25

Incumbent Republican Tom McInnis had represented the 25th district since 2015.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 25 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Tom McInnis (incumbent) | 41,601 | 57.09% |
| | Democratic | Helen Probst Mills | 31,268 | 42.91% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 72,869 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### Districts 26–50
#### District 26

Following redistricting, the old 29th district became the new 26th district. Incumbent Republican Jerry W. Tillman, who had represented the 29th district since 2003, successfully sought re-election here.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 26 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jerry W. Tillman (incumbent) | 39,103 | 64.83% |
| | Democratic | William (Bill) McCaskill | 21,217 | 35.17% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,320 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 27

Incumbent Republican Trudy Wade had represented the 27th district since 2013. Wade lost re-election to Democrat Michael Garrett.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 27 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Michael Garrett | 45,205 | 50.52% |
| | Republican | Trudy Wade (incumbent) | 44,268 | 49.48% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 89,473 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

#### District 28

Incumbent Democrat Gladys A. Robinson had represented the 28th district since 2011. This district had the largest margin of any district election in 2018.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 28 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Gladys A. Robinson (incumbent) | 56,262 | 75.25% |
| | Republican | Clark Porter | 18,509 | 24.75% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 74,771 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 29

Following redistricting, the new 29th district overlaps with much of the former 33rd district. Incumbent Republican Cathy Dunn, who had represented the 33rd district since 2017, did not seek re-election. Eddie Gallimore defeated representative Sam Watford to win the Republican nomination, and easily won the general election.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 29 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Eddie Gallimore | 46,974 | 71.64% |
| | Democratic | Cheraton Love | 18,594 | 28.36% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,568 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 30

Following redistricting, most of the old 26th district became the new 30th district. Incumbent Republican president pro tempore Phil Berger, who had represented the 26th district and its predecessors since 2001, successfully sought re-election here.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 30 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Phil Berger (incumbent) | 43,132 | 62.63% |
| | Democratic | Jen Mangrum | 23,558 | 34.21% |
| | Libertarian | R. Michael Jordan | 2,182 | 3.17% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 68,872 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 31

Incumbent Republicans Joyce Krawiec, who had represented the 31st district since 2014, and Dan Barrett, who had represented the 34th district since his appointment in August 2017, sought re-election here. Krawiec narrowly defeated Barrett in the Republican primary, and easily won the general election.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 31 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joyce Krawiec (incumbent) | 54,267 | 61.00% |
| | Democratic | John Motsinger Jr. | 34,693 | 39.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 88,960 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 32

Incumbent Democrat Paul A. Lowe Jr. had represented the 32nd district since 2015.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 32 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul A. Lowe Jr. (incumbent) | 47,221 | 72.88% |
| | Republican | Eric Henderson | 17,572 | 27.12% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 64,793 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 33

After redistricting, the old 33rd district became the new 29th district, and a new 33rd district was created. The new district includes Rowan County and Stanly County. State representative Carl Ford was the Republican nominee.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 33 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Carl Ford | 47,473 | 68.18% |
| | Democratic | Arin Wilhelm | 22,154 | 31.82% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 69,627 | 100.00% |
| | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) |

#### District 34

Incumbent Republican Dan Barrett had represented the 34th district since his appointment in August 2017. Barrett chose to seek re-election in the 31st district after his home in Davie County was drawn into that district. The new 34th district includes Iredell and Yadkin counties, and was expected to favor Republicans. Republican Vickie Sawyer was elected to a full term here, though after already winning the GOP primary for this seat, she had been appointed to serve the balance of David L. Curtis's term in the 44th district.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 34 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Vickie Sawyer | 54,635 | 69.73% |
| | Democratic | Beniah McMiller | 23,716 | 30.27% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 78,351 | 100.00% |
| | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) |

#### District 35

Incumbent Republican Tommy Tucker had represented the 35th district since 2011. Tucker did not seek re-election.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 35 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Todd Johnson | 49,848 | 61.51% |
| | Democratic | Caroline L. Walker | 31,188 | 38.49% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 81,036 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 36

Incumbent Republican Paul Newton had represented the 36th district since 2017.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 36 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Paul Newton (incumbent) | 44,938 | 56.63% |
| | Democratic | Mark E. Shelley | 34,416 | 43.37% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 79,354 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 37

Incumbent Democrat Jeff Jackson had represented the 37th district since 2014.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 37 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jeff Jackson (incumbent) | 52,261 | 78.05% |
| | Republican | Nora Trotman | 13,395 | 20.01% |
| | Constitution | Stuart Andrew Collins | 1,301 | 1.94% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 66,957 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 38

Incumbent Democrat Joel D. M. Ford had represented the 38th district since 2013. Ford lost the Democratic primary to Mujtaba Mohammed, who easily won the general election.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 38 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mujtaba Mohammed | 53,563 | 81.73% |
| | Republican | Richard Rivette | 11,972 | 18.27% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,535 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 39

Incumbent Republican Dan Bishop had represented the 39th district since 2017.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 39 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dan Bishop (incumbent) | 49,698 | 52.89% |
| | Democratic | Chad Stachowicz | 44,273 | 47.11% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 93,971 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 40

Incumbent Democrat Joyce Waddell had represented the 40th district since 2015.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 40 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joyce Waddell (incumbent) | 44,773 | 75.63% |
| | Republican | Mr. Bobbie Shields | 14,426 | 24.37% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,199 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 41

Incumbent Republican Jeff Tarte had represented the 41st district since 2013. Tarte lost re-election to Democrat Natasha Marcus.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 41 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Natasha Marcus | 49,459 | 56.85% |
| | Republican | Jeff Tarte (incumbent) | 37,536 | 43.15% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 86,995 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

#### District 42

Incumbent Republican Andy Wells had represented the 42nd district since 2015.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 40 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Andy Wells (incumbent) | 44,323 | 66.31% |
| | Democratic | Ric Vandett | 22,522 | 33.69% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 66,845 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 43

Incumbent Republican Kathy Harrington had represented the 43rd district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 43 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Kathy Harrington (incumbent) | 42,906 | 63.39% |
| | Democratic | Altriese Price | 22,881 | 33.80% |
| | Libertarian | Mitchell D. Bridges | 1,900 | 2.81% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 67,687 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 44

Incumbent Republican David L. Curtis had represented the 44th district since 2013. Curtis lost re-nomination to fellow Republican Ted Alexander. Curtis resigned before the end of his term, and Vickie Sawyer was appointed to replace him. Alexander easily won the open seat here, while Sawyer was simultaneously elected to the newly created 34th district which contained her home.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 44 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ted Alexander | 46,861 | 68.85% |
| | Democratic | David Lee Lattimore | 21,204 | 31.15% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 68,065 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 45

Following redistricting, incumbent Republicans Deanna Ballard and Shirley B. Randleman had both of their homes drawn into the 45th district. The district was more Ballard's district than Randleman's, and Ballard defeated Randleman in the Republican primary. Ballard easily won the general election.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 45 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Deanna Ballard (incumbent) | 48,998 | 65.08% |
| | Democratic | Wes Luther | 26,293 | 34.92% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 75,291 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 46

Incumbent Republican Warren Daniel had represented the 46th district and its predecessors since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 46 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Warren Daniel (incumbent) | 42,445 | 69.97% |
| | Democratic | Art Sherwood | 18,218 | 30.03% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,663 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 47

Incumbent Republican Ralph Hise had represented the 47th district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 47 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ralph Hise (incumbent) | 44,305 | 62.33% |
| | Democratic | David Wheeler | 26,777 | 37.67% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 71,082 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 48

Incumbent Republican Chuck Edwards had represented the 48th district since 2016.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 48 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Chuck Edwards (incumbent) | 49,073 | 56.26% |
| | Democratic | Norm Bossert | 38,147 | 43.74% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 87,220 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 49

Incumbent Democrat Terry Van Duyn had represented the 49th district since 2014.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 49 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Terry Van Duyn (incumbent) | 61,092 | 63.70% |
| | Republican | Mark Crawford | 32,519 | 33.91% |
| | Libertarian | Lyndon John Smith | 2,290 | 2.39% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 95,901 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 50

Incumbent Republican Jim Davis had represented the 50th district since 2011.
2018 North Carolina Senate election, district 49 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jim Davis (incumbent) | 48,387 | 60.30% |
| | Democratic | Bobby Kuppers | 31,851 | 39.70% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 80,238 | 100.00% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |