The GOP Just Took the Lead in North Carolina, but Don’t Celebrate Yet

For the first time in North Carolina’s history, registered Republicans now outnumber registered Democrats. It’s a milestone that should feel like a turning point—a validation of conservative momentum in a battleground state.

But let’s be honest: this shift is less about rising support for the GOP and more about voter disillusionment with the Democratic Party.

In our latest League of American Workers statewide poll, the Democratic Party’s approval rating sits at just 30%, with 54% disapproving—a staggering 24-point gap.

That kind of brand damage doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of policy overreach, cultural disconnect, and failure to address working people’s core concerns.

But here’s the uncomfortable part for Republicans: the voter frustration that’s driving Democrats down isn’t automatically lifting us up.

Trump’s Approval Numbers

President Donald Trump remains personally underwater in North Carolina. His job approval is 39% approve with 53% disapproving—including weak numbers among women, independents, Gen Z, and Hispanic voters.

Even among many who supported him in 2024, there’s growing concern about how the administration is handling the economy.

And make no mistake: the economy is the No. 1 issue in North Carolina—and right now, it’s the GOP’s biggest vulnerability.

•    Just 30% of voters approve of Trump’s handling of inflation
•    Only 35% approve of his handling of the overall economy
•    A full 76% of voters cite grocery prices as a top inflation concern—far surpassing rent, gas, or insurance
•    34% of voters give the economy an F grade

These are not numbers to ignore.

Voters are telling us—loudly—that they’re feeling the squeeze, and they don’t yet believe we have the answers.

There is a bright spot: immigration and border policy.

The poll shows that Trump’s highest approval ratings are on border control (50%) and immigration enforcement (44%)—suggesting that strong messaging and action on these issues continues to resonate across party lines.

But one or two issues aren’t enough to hold a coalition together, especially when kitchen-table economics are driving discontent.

Time to Deliver

So yes, we should acknowledge the historic significance of taking a registration lead in North Carolina. It’s a signal that the ground is shifting. But we can’t mistake a registration edge for a governing mandate—especially when the president and our party are still struggling to win trust on the issues that matter most.

If the Republican Party wants to hold that lead—and grow it—we need to deliver results, not just rhetoric. That starts with the economy.

Voters want to see action on inflation, cost of living, and long-term financial stability. They want leadership that’s practical, disciplined, and grounded in their daily reality.

Republicans have the opportunity. Now we have to prove we deserve it.

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