CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's U.S. Senate race between Ted Budd and Cheri Beasley is getting headlines nationwide, but a number of key races in statewide elections could have a huge impact on the everyday lives of North Carolinians.
State lawmakers decide several important issues, including education and access to abortion. Republicans are eyeing a potential supermajority in the General Assembly, which would give the GOP significant power in the state government.
You never know exactly what voters will decide, but here are the likely outcomes political experts are anticipating.
First, the political power dynamic remains the same in Raleigh. Republicans control the House and Senate with a Democrat, Roy Cooper, in the governor's mansion.
The upside to this is it encourages compromise. Passing legislation requires at least some crossing of the aisle, with Cooper holding veto power on bills that make it through both chambers.
Another option is Republicans getting what's called a supermajority. That means the GOP would have enough members in both the House and Senate that they can override Cooper's veto power.
The upside of this, at least for Republicans, is legislation will be easier to pass. But things will be one-sided in favor of Republicans.
Experts aren't anticipating Democrats to gain a bunch of seats, but if they do, expect them to push for the protection of a woman's right to an abortion.
It's all on you on Nov. 8.
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