7 predictions for N.C. politics in 2026

It's going to be one heck of a year, even if the biggest event is in March

I’ll admit that my predictions for 2025 didn’t all pan out. But that won’t stop me from offering up my takes on what’s coming next year.

Before we begin, I just wrote a column for the N&O and Charlotte Observer about what I’m watching in 2026. The hinge of the entire year will be the primary race between Sen. Phil Berger and Sheriff Sam Page, with the results trickling down through the N.C. political world. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate race is likely to be a dud.

Read it here, free with gift link: What to watch in N.C. politics in 2026

So I’m not going to offer a prediction on who will win either of those two races. One is about 50/50, and the other feels right now like it’s already over. I’ll let you guess which one’s which.

But I do have a fresh slate of predictions for what will happen in N.C. politics in 2026. These, I guarantee you, will be 100% accurate, but I’ll open it up to your votes anyway.

1) Republicans will not pick up a Congressional seat in the 2026 elections

Right now, North…