Elon University Poll Reveals North Carolina Political Divisions

An Elon University Poll conducted in late July reveals a fragmented political landscape in North Carolina, where 34% of residents identify as either a lot or somewhat MAGA and 29% identify as Democratic Socialists of America. The 2026 North Carolina Political Landscape Report, produced with YouGov, also found that 26% of respondents consider themselves politically homeless.

Jason Husser, director of the poll, noted that election outcomes in the state depend on whether politicians can mobilize groups such as the working class, progressives, or Second Amendment advocates rather than relying solely on party labels. The report highlights that 78% of respondents identify as working class, while 58% identify as religious and 58% as Second Amendment advocates.

Data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections supports this trend of fragmentation, showing that 40% of the state's 7,826,649 registered voters are unaffiliated, compared to 29.7% Republican and 29.6% Democrat. While the Democratic Socialists of America have seen national primary success with candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, their local impact remains limited, with Natalie Bent Kitaif for the Durham Board of Education marking the organization's only win in the state.