# 2008 North Carolina Senate election

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vte :
The 2008 North Carolina Senate election was held on November 5, 2008, to elect members to all fifty seats in the North Carolina Senate. The primary election was held on May 6, 2008, with a primary run-off occurring on June 24, 2008.

## Results summary

| District | Incumbent | Party | Elected | Party |
| 1st | Marc Basnight | Dem | Marc Basnight | Dem |
| 2nd | Jean Preston | Rep | Jean Preston | Rep |
| 3rd | Clark Jenkins | Dem | Clark Jenkins | Dem |
| 4th | Edward Jones | Dem | Edward Jones | Dem |
| 5th | John H. Kerr III† | Dem | Don Davis | Dem |
| 6th | Harry Brown | Rep | Harry Brown | Rep |
| 7th | Doug Berger | Dem | Doug Berger | Dem |
| 8th | R. C. Soles Jr. | Dem | R. C. Soles Jr. | Dem |
| 9th | Julia Boseman | Dem | Julia Boseman | Dem |
| 10th | Charles W. Albertson | Dem | Charles W. Albertson | Dem |
| 11th | A. B. Swindell | Dem | A. B. Swindell | Dem |
| 12th | Fred Smith† | Rep | David Rouzer | Rep |
| 13th | David F. Weinstein | Dem | David F. Weinstein | Dem |
| 14th | Vernon Malone | Dem | Vernon Malone | Dem |
| 15th | Neal Hunt | Rep | Neal Hunt | Rep |
| 16th | Janet Cowell† | Dem | Josh Stein | Dem |
| 17th | Richard Y. Stevens | Rep | Richard Y. Stevens | Rep |
| 18th | Bob Atwater | Dem | Bob Atwater | Dem |
| 19th | Tony Rand | Dem | Tony Rand | Dem |
| 20th | Floyd McKissick Jr. | Dem | Floyd McKissick Jr. | Dem |
| 21st | Larry Shaw | Dem | Larry Shaw | Dem |
| 22nd | Harris Blake | Rep | Harris Blake | Rep |
| 23rd | Eleanor Kinnaird | Dem | Eleanor Kinnaird | Dem |
| 24th | Anthony Foriest | Dem | Anthony Foriest | Dem |
| 25th | William R. Purcell | Dem | William R. Purcell | Dem |
| 26th | Phil Berger | Rep | Phil Berger | Rep |
| 27th | Kay Hagan† | Dem | Don Vaughan | Dem |
| 28th | Katie G. Dorsett | Dem | Katie G. Dorsett | Dem |
| 29th | Jerry W. Tillman | Rep | Jerry W. Tillman | Rep |
| 30th | Don W. East | Rep | Don W. East | Rep |
| 31st | Peter S. Brunstetter | Rep | Peter S. Brunstetter | Rep |
| 32nd | Linda Garrou | Dem | Linda Garrou | Dem |
| 33rd | Stan Bingham | Rep | Stan Bingham | Rep |
| 34th | Andrew C. Brock | Rep | Andrew C. Brock | Rep |
| 35th | Eddie Goodall | Rep | Eddie Goodall | Rep |
| 36th | Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. | Rep | Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. | Rep |
| 37th | Dan Clodfelter | Dem | Dan Clodfelter | Dem |
| 38th | Charlie Dannelly | Dem | Charlie Dannelly | Dem |
| 39th | Bob Rucho | Rep | Bob Rucho | Rep |
| 40th | Malcolm Graham | Dem | Malcolm Graham | Dem |
| 41st | James Forrester | Rep | James Forrester | Rep |
| 42nd | Austin M. Allran | Rep | Austin M. Allran | Rep |
| 43rd | David W. Hoyle | Dem | David W. Hoyle | Dem |
| 44th | Jim Jacumin | Rep | Jim Jacumin | Rep |
| 45th | Steve Goss | Dem | Steve Goss | Dem |
| 46th | Walter H. Dalton† | Dem | Debbie A. Clary | Rep |
| 47th | Joe Sam Queen | Dem | Joe Sam Queen | Dem |
| 48th | Tom Apodaca | Rep | Tom Apodaca | Rep |
| 49th | Martin Nesbitt | Dem | Martin Nesbitt | Dem |
| 50th | John J. Snow Jr. | Dem | John J. Snow Jr. | Dem |
† - Incumbent not seeking re-election
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | Votes | Votes | Seats | Seats | Seats |
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | No. | % | No. | +/– | % |
| | Democratic Party | 39 | 1,821,994 | 50.166% | 30 | 1 | 60% |
| | Republican Party | 40 | 1,769,130 | 48.710% | 20 | 1 | 40% |
| | Libertarian Party | 8 | 40,813 | 1.124% | 0 | | 0% |
| Total | Total | 87 | 3,631,937 | 100.00% | 50 | | 100.00% |
Senate seats
Democratic
60%
Republican
40% :
Popular vote
Democratic
50.166%
Republican
48.710%
Libertarian
1.124% :

### Open seats that changed parties

* Walter H. Dalton (D-District 46) ran for Lieutenant Governor, seat won by Debbie A. Clary (R)

## Predictions

| Source | Ranking | As of |
| Stateline | Lean D | October 15, 2008 |

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

Incumbent Democrat President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight has represented the 1st district since 1985.
North Carolina Senate 1st district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Marc Basnight (incumbent) | 62,661 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 62,661 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 2

Incumbent Republican Jean Preston has represented the 2nd district since 2007.
North Carolina Senate 2nd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jean Preston (incumbent) | 51,117 | 61.61% |
| | Democratic | Greg D. Muse | 31,849 | 38.39% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 82,966 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 3

Incumbent Democrat Clark Jenkins has represented the 3rd district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 3rd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Clark Jenkins (incumbent) | 57,703 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,703 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 4

Incumbent Democrat Edward Jones has represented the 4th district since 2007.
North Carolina Senate 4th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward Jones (incumbent) | 57,429 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,429 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 5

Incumbent Democrat John H. Kerr III has represented the 5th district and its predecessors since 1993. Kerr didn't seek re-election and Democrat Don Davis won the open seat.
North Carolina Senate 5th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Don Davis | 40,982 | 52.90% |
| | Republican | Louis Pate | 36,493 | 47.10% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 77,475 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 6

Incumbent Republican Harry Brown has represented the 6th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 6th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Harry Brown (incumbent) | 38,139 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 38,139 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 7

Incumbent Democrat Doug Berger has represented the 7th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 7th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Doug Berger (incumbent) | 48,874 | 61.25% |
| | Republican | Chuck Stires | 28,588 | 35.83% |
| | Libertarian | Kira Howe | 2,331 | 2.92% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 79,793 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 8

Incumbent Democrat R. C. Soles Jr. has represented the 8th district and its predecessors since 1977.
North Carolina Senate 8th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | R. C. Soles Jr. (incumbent) | 47,905 | 48.66% |
| | Republican | Bettie Fennell | 45,093 | 45.80% |
| | Libertarian | Rachel Joiner Merrill | 5,454 | 5.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 98,452 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 9

Incumbent Democrat Julia Boseman has represented the 9th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 9th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Julia Boseman (incumbent) | 50,516 | 51.67% |
| | Republican | Michael Lee | 47,244 | 48.33% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 97,760 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 10

Incumbent Democrat Charles W. Albertson has represented the 10th district and its predecessors since 1993.
North Carolina Senate 10th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Charles W. Albertson (incumbent) | 51,375 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,375 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 11

Incumbent Democrat A. B. Swindell has represented the 11th district and its predecessors since 2001.
North Carolina Senate 11th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | A. B. Swindell (incumbent) | 59,461 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,461 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 12

Incumbent Republican Fred Smith has represented the 12th district since 2003. Smith ran for Governor and Republican David Rouzer won the open seat.
North Carolina Senate 12th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | David Rouzer | 44,261 | 51.93% |
| | Democratic | Kay Carroll | 40,971 | 48.07% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 85,232 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 13

Incumbent Democrat David F. Weinstein has represented the 13th district and its predecessors since 1997.
North Carolina Senate 13th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | David F. Weinstein (incumbent) | 45,776 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 45,776 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 14

Incumbent Democrat Vernon Malone has represented the 14th district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 14th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Vernon Malone (incumbent) | 67,823 | 69.45% |
| | Republican | Carol Bennett | 29,835 | 30.55% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 97,658 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 15

Incumbent Republican Neal Hunt has represented the 15th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 15th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Neal Hunt (incumbent) | 56,873 | 52.83% |
| | Democratic | Chris Mintz | 46,175 | 42.89% |
| | Libertarian | Jan MacKay | 4,602 | 4.27% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 107,650 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 16

Incumbent Democrat Janet Cowell has represented the 16th district since 2005. Cowell ran for State Treasurer and Democrat Josh Stein won the open seat.
North Carolina Senate 16th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Josh Stein | 58,357 | 60.82% |
| | Republican | John Alexander | 37,586 | 39.18% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 95,943 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 17

Incumbent Republican Richard Y. Stevens has represented the 17th district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 17th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard Y. Stevens (incumbent) | 75,311 | 81.20% |
| | Libertarian | Brian Irving | 17,441 | 18.80% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 92,752 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 18

Incumbent Democrat Bob Atwater has represented the 18th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 18th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bob Atwater (incumbent) | 66,916 | 69.00% |
| | Republican | Roger Gerber | 30,063 | 31.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 96,979 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 19

Incumbent Democrat Tony Rand has represented the 19th district and its predecessors since 1995.
North Carolina Senate 19th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tony Rand (incumbent) | 57,027 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,027 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 20

Incumbent Democrat Floyd McKissick Jr. has represented the 20th district since 2007.
North Carolina Senate 20th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Floyd McKissick Jr. (incumbent) | 64,178 | 74.58% |
| | Republican | Ken Chandler | 19,666 | 22.55% |
| | Libertarian | David C. Rollins | 3,377 | 3.87% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 87,221 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 21

Incumbent Democrat Larry Shaw has represented the 21st district and its predecessors since 1995.
North Carolina Senate 21st district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Larry Shaw (incumbent) | 48,430 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 48,430 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 22

Incumbent Republican Harris Blake has represented the 22nd district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 22nd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Harris Blake (incumbent) | 50,111 | 60.27% |
| | Democratic | Abraham Oudeh | 33,033 | 39.73% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 83,144 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 23

Incumbent Democrat Eleanor Kinnaird has represented the 23rd district and its predecessors since 1997.
North Carolina Senate 23rd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Eleanor Kinnaird (incumbent) | 62,192 | 70.90% |
| | Republican | Greg Bass | 25,527 | 29.10% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 62,192 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 24

Incumbent Democrat Anthony Foriest has represented the 24th district since 2007.
North Carolina Senate 24th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anthony Foriest (incumbent) | 38,539 | 52.51% |
| | Republican | Rick Gunn | 34,854 | 47.49% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 73,393 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 25

Incumbent Democrat William R. Purcell has represented the 25th district and its predecessors since 1997.
North Carolina Senate 25th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William R. Purcell (incumbent) | 42,760 | 60.84% |
| | Republican | Janice B. Abernathy | 27,519 | 39.16% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 70,279 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### Districts 26–50
#### District 26

Incumbent Republican Minority Leader Phil Berger has represented the 26th district since and its predecessors since 2001.
North Carolina Senate 26th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Phil Berger (incumbent) | 65,392 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,392 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 27

Incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan has represented the 27th district and its predecessors since 1999. Hagan ran for the U.S Senate and Democrat Don Vaughan won the open seat.
North Carolina Senate 27th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Don Vaughan | 59,609 | 68.75% |
| | Republican | Joe Wilson | 27,100 | 31.25% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 86,709 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 28

Incumbent Democrat Katie G. Dorsett has represented the 28th district since 2003.
2008 North Carolina Senate District 28th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Katie G. Dorsett (incumbent) | 61,911 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 61,911 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 29

Incumbent Republican Jerry W. Tillman has represented the 29th district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 29th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jerry W. Tillman (incumbent) | 45,614 | 68.00% |
| | Democratic | Ronald Franklin | 21,316 | 31.78% |
| | Unaffiliated | Write-ins | 146 | 0.22% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 67,076 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 30

Incumbent Republican Don W. East has represented the 30th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 30th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Don W. East (incumbent) | 52,754 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 52,754 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 31

Incumbent Republican Peter S. Brunstetter has represented the 31st district since 2006.
North Carolina Senate 31st district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter S. Brunstetter (incumbent) | 65,201 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,201 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 32

Incumbent Democrat Linda Garrou has represented the 32nd district and its predecessors since 1999.
North Carolina Senate 32nd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Linda Garrou (incumbent) | 57,672 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,672 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 33

Incumbent Republican Stan Bingham has represented the 33rd district and its predecessors since 2001.
North Carolina Senate 33rd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Stan Bingham (incumbent) | 61,387 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 61,387 | 100% |

#### District 34

Incumbent Republican Andrew C. Brock has represented the 34th district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 34th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Andrew C. Brock (incumbent) | 47,960 | 61.17% |
| | Democratic | John Carlyle Sherrill III | 30,443 | 38.83% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 78,403 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 35

Incumbent Republican Eddie Goodall has represented the 35th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate District 35th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Eddie Goodall (incumbent) | 75,025 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 75,025 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 36

Incumbent Republican Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. has represented the 36th district and its predecessors since 1991.
North Carolina Senate 36th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. (incumbent) | 50,052 | 56.81% |
| | Democratic | Charles Paxton | 38,047 | 43.19% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 88,099 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 37

Incumbent Democrat Dan Clodfelter has represented the 37th district and its predecessors since 1999.
North Carolina Senate 37th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Dan Clodfelter (incumbent) | 48,608 | 67.84% |
| | Republican | Vince Coscia | 30,315 | 28.35% |
| | Libertarian | Rusty Sheridan | 2,733 | 3.81% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 71,656 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 38

Incumbent Democrat Charlie Dannelly has represented the 38th district and its predecessors since 1995.
North Carolina Senate 38th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Charlie Dannelly (incumbent) | 67,755 | 73.33% |
| | Republican | James R. Soder | 22,056 | 23.87% |
| | Libertarian | C. Travis Wheat | 2,588 | 2.80% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 92,399 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 39

Incumbent Republican Bob Rucho has represented the 39th district and its predecessors since 2008 and previously from 1997 to 2005.
North Carolina Senate 39th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Bob Rucho (incumbent) | 73,799 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 73,799 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 40

Incumbent Democrat Maclom Graham has represented the 40th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 40th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Malcolm Graham (incumbent) | 66,307 | 66.96% |
| | Republican | Ed Mulheren | 32,711 | 33.04% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 99,018 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 41

Incumbent Republican James Forrester has represented the 41st district and its predecessors since 1991.
North Carolina Senate 41st district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Forrester (incumbent) | 67,211 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 67,211 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 42

Incumbent Republican Austin M. Allran has represented the 42nd district and its predecessors since 1987.
North Carolina Senate 42nd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Austin M. Allran (incumbent) | 59,574 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,574 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 43

Incumbent Democrat David W. Hoyle has represented the 43rd district and its predecessors since 1993.
North Carolina Senate 43rd district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | David W. Hoyle (incumbent) | 35,838 | 51.47 |
| | Republican | Kathy Harrington | 33,791 | 48.53 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 69,629 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 44

Incumbent Republican Jim Jacumin has represented the 44th district since 2005.
North Carolina 44th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jim Jacumin (incumbent) | 41,320 | 57.88% |
| | Democratic | Jim Cates | 27,782 | 38.92% |
| | Libertarian | Richard C. Evey | 2,287 | 3.20% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 71,389 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 45

Incumbent Democrat Steve Goss has represented the 45th district since 2007.
North Carolina Senate 45th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Steve Goss (incumbent) | 46,014 | 53.90% |
| | Republican | Jerry Butler | 39,349 | 46.10% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 85,363 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 46

Incumbent Democrat Walter H. Dalton has represented the 46th district and its predecessors since 1997. Dalton ran for Lieutenant Governor. Republican Debbie A. Clary won the open seat.
North Carolina Senate 46th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Debbie A. Clary | 36,059 | 50.50% |
| | Democratic | Keith H. Melton | 35,338 | 49.50% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 71,397 | 100% |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

#### District 47

Incumbent Democrat Joe Sam Queen has represented the 47th district since 2007, and previously from 2003 to 2005.
North Carolina Senate 47th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joe Sam Queen (incumbent) | 41,736 | 53.59% |
| | Republican | Keith Presnell | 36,144 | 46.41% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 77,880 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 48

Incumbent Republican Tom Apodaca has represented the 48th district since 2003.
North Carolina Senate 48th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Tom Apodaca (incumbent) | 64,183 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 64,183 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

#### District 49

Incumbent Democratic Majority Leader Martin Nesbitt has represented the 49th district since 2004.
North Carolina Senate 49th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Martin Nesbitt (incumbent) | 56,150 | 65.64% |
| | Republican | R. L. Clark | 29,391 | 34.36% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 85,541 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

#### District 50

Incumbent Democrat John J. Snow Jr. has represented the 50th district since 2005.
North Carolina Senate 50th district general election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John J. Snow Jr. (incumbent) | 46,536 | 57.45% |
| | Republican | Susan C. Pons | 34,462 | 42.55% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 80,998 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |