The Election Isn’t Over: Recounts Could Still Shape State Legislative Power

Democrats’ big night on Tuesday is not over yet – there are still recounts, ballot challenges, and legal fights over several high-stakes races all across the country. 

Many are coming down to just a handful of votes – and the DLCC is working around the clock to ensure that every ballot is counted.

States have different rules for provisional ballots and recounts, so we’re giving the rundown on the key races and stakes that are still outstanding from Tuesday’s midterms.

North Carolina Senate District 24

With one race outstanding, North Carolina’s current Senate makeup gives the GOP a narrow majority, but SD-24 is Democrats’ chance to flip a key seat to tie the chamber, put an end to Republican rule, and legislate on behalf of working families. Democrats flipped the NC House blue and also elected a Democratic lieutenant governor who could break tied votes in the Senate – meaning a win in this race would give Democrats historic legislative power. We are working with North Carolina Democrats to close the mere 268-vote gap, cure over 1,000 provisional ballots in the district, and build upon our hard-fought wins in the Tar Heel State.

Minnesota Senate Districts 4 and 33

The DLCC is supporting the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party on two recounts in the MN Senate, likely to occur before the end of November. In SD-04, the Democrat is down by just 4 votes, and in SD-33, a key flip opportunity, just 42 votes. The Minnesota Senate won’t be on the ballot again until 2030, so securing Democratic power in these races will decide the Senate DFL’s legislative power for the next 4 years. 

Recounts Across the Country

There are more than 100 key races in recount territory across the country, including more in Minnesota and New Hampshire. The DLCC’s work does not stop on Election Day – we are actively funding and supporting legal costs, offering critical guidance to those involved, and utilizing data to coordinate with our national partners to understand which recounts have the highest stakes. We are clear-eyed about Democrats’ path to victories across the country, and we can’t help our candidates cross the finish line without your support.

Help Us Finish the Work

Final votes are still being counted, and close races may get sent to a recount and require legal support. Your contributions help the DLCC and our state partners stay prepared, support the process, and see these contests through. 

Chip in whatever you can, it makes a difference and supports the DLCC’s work to build Democratic power across the country.