GOP holds NC House, Senate super-majorities despite Wake losses

Reps. Marilyn Avila and Gary Pendleton were edged out by their Democratic opponents, Joe John and Cynthia Ball, respectively, in complete but unofficial returns Tuesday night.

Other suburban Republicans ran stronger than expected in Wake, Mecklenburg and New Hanover counties, led by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Speaking about the likelihood Republicans will keep super-majority margins in the state House and state Senate, House Speaker Tim Moore said, "We're very comfortable with that."

Republicans currently enjoy a 34-16 advantage in the state Senate. But the GOP added one seat to that total Tuesday night because incumbent Sen. Jane Smith, D-Robeson, lost to Republican challenger Danny "J.R." Britt.

In Wake County, Sen. Tamara Barringer, a Republican incumbent, won a close race against county school board member Susan Evans, a Democrat.

The current GOP margin in the state House is 74-45, with one independent effectively acting as a Republican. Results Tuesday night show Republican holding 74 House seats in the next General Assembly, which convenes in January.

That means Republicans will again hold enough seats in the House and the Senate to override gubernatorial vetoes and propose state constitutional amendments without garnering any Democratic votes.