Democrat Mo Green, who has worked in public schools for over a decade, defeated Republican homeschooler Michele Morrow in what ended up being a close race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Green won the race by just over two percentage points. In a statement after the election, he told supporters that they met the moment together “as champions of public education.”
"The work does not end here," he said. "It's now upon us to put forth and implement our bold vision, direction, and plan for NC public schools. Our children and the future of our state depend on it."
North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly says the outcome was a win for the state’s public schools. But the election of President Donald Trump could bring challenges.
“We will be looking to see what sort of decisions are made around the Department of Education and its support and resources for our most vulnerable students," she said. "But ultimately, we will continue our work like we do every single day, to ensure our North Carolina students get what they need, and our public school educators are supported.”
While North Carolina voters went for Green and other Democrats like Josh Stein, Trump won the state with 51%.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.