Democrats Win U.S. Senate as Local Results Split

The Democratic Party won control of the U.S. Senate and made historic national gains on Tuesday, though the outcome for the House of Representatives remains undecided. These national trends were mirrored in some regions, such as Edgecombe and Nash counties, where Democrats won the majority of contested races, including the district attorney and clerk of court positions. In Edgecombe County, Democrats swept all 11 contested races.

Nash County Democratic Party chairwoman Cassandra Conover described the local results as a way for voters to hold people accountable for the pain caused by failed or non-existent policies. Despite the Democratic candidate success in these areas, voters still approved three Republican-backed constitutional amendments restricting voter ID law changes and tax rate increases.

Other regions showed contrasting results. Republican candidates won the vast majority of local races across White, Jasper, Clay, Edwards, Wabash, and Richland counties. In White County, Republicans achieved a complete sweep of all offices. In Wabash County, Republican Sean Morgan unseated Democratic incumbent Janet Will for County Clerk.

In Island County, results were mixed. While Democrats lead in races for county commissioner and clerk, independent Sheriff Rick Felici and Prosecutor Greg Banks maintain leads over their Democratic challengers. Local voters in Island County also approved property tax levies for the city of Langley and the Port of South Whidbey.