Democrat Jessica Bichler Defeats Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee

Democrat Jessica Bichler defeated Republican Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee in North Carolina's Senate District 7, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Bichler received 52.64% of the vote, or 48,310 votes, compared to 47.36% and 43,469 votes for Lee. The campaign focused heavily on water quality and PFAS contamination from the Chemours facility affecting the Cape Fear River, with Bichler alleging Lee sponsored legislation to roll back water-contamination testing.

Lee's loss marks the end of a Senate tenure that began in 2014 and removes a leading candidate to succeed Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. The defeat was part of a broader projected Democratic sweep in New Hanover County. Democrats secured a projected majority on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education. Additionally, Jennie Thomason is projected to defeat incumbent Jan Kennedy for County Clerk of Superior Court.

In the race for North Carolina House District 20, Democrat Tim Merrick holds a narrow 101-vote lead, a margin that may trigger a recount. Voters also approved all constitutional amendments on the ballot and a $320.5-million school bond referendum. The New Hanover County Board of Elections will conduct its canvass to reconcile and certify the results on November 12 or 13.