If you spent any time on TikTok or watched a local news break in North Carolina last year, you couldn't escape them. The 2024 race for North Carolina's top lawyer wasn't just another down-ballot scuffle. It was a high-stakes, multi-million dollar collision between two sitting congressmen with wildly different visions for the state.
People often think the Attorney General (AG) is just a "super cop." Honestly, that's barely scratching the surface. In North Carolina, the AG is the person who decides whether to defend state laws in court, how to tackle the fentanyl crisis, and how much to push back against a powerful General Assembly. When looking at the nc attorney general candidates 2024, you weren't just picking a name; you were picking the legal architect of the state's future.
The race eventually boiled down to Jeff Jackson and Dan Bishop. It was a fascinating study in contrasts. You had Jackson, the social media-savvy Democrat who basically pioneered "explainer-style" political communication, and Bishop, the staunchly conservative Republican known for his "law and order" stance and for being the architect of the state’s 2016 "bathroom bill."
Why the AG Seat Became the Biggest Fight in Raleigh
North Carolina hasn't had a Republican Attorney General since 1896. Think about that for a second. While the state has leaned red in presidential races and the legislature, the AG’s office has been a Democratic stronghold for over a century. It’s also a massive springboard—both Governor Roy Cooper and current Governor Josh Stein used the office as a literal front door to the Executive Mansion.
Dan Bishop wanted to break that streak. He campaigned on the idea that the office had become a "stepping stone" for liberal politicians who refused to defend the laws passed by the Republican-led legislature. Jackson, on the other hand, argued that the AG needs to be an independent check on power, especially when the legislature overreaches.
The stakes were massive because the AG is the one who represents state agencies. If the legislature passes a controversial voting law or an abortion restriction, the AG decides how—or if—to defend it in federal court. This tension was the engine behind every ad and debate involving the nc attorney general candidates 2024.
Breaking Down the Frontrunners: Jeff Jackson vs. Dan Bishop
Let’s get into the weeds on who these guys actually are. This wasn't a race between two newcomers; it was a battle between two heavyweights who already held seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jeff Jackson (Democrat)
Jackson is a Major in the Army National Guard and a former Gaston County prosecutor. He’s most famous for his TikTok presence, where he has millions of followers. He treats the camera like a friend, explaining complex policy without the usual "politician speak."
- Core Platform: Jackson focused heavily on the fentanyl epidemic, AI-enabled scammers, and protecting veteran rights.
- The Vibe: He pitched himself as a moderate, non-partisan voice. He talked a lot about his time as a prosecutor to counter the "soft on crime" labels.
- The Conflict: He was basically gerrymandered out of his congressional seat, which forced his hand to run for AG.
Dan Bishop (Republican)
Bishop is a member of the Freedom Caucus and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. He’s a sharp legal mind who served in both the NC House and Senate before going to D.C.
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- Core Platform: "Law and Order." He promised to back law enforcement to the hilt and argued that crime rates were spiraling (though this was a major point of contention during the campaign).
- The Vibe: A constitutional conservative who isn't afraid of a fight. He frequently criticized Jackson’s social media usage, calling it a distraction from real legal work.
- The Legend: He’s forever linked to House Bill 2 (HB2), which sparked a massive national controversy over transgender access to public bathrooms.
The Fentanyl Debate: Two Different Solutions
Both nc attorney general candidates 2024 agreed on one thing: fentanyl is killing North Carolinians at an alarming rate—about nine people a day. But their "fixes" were worlds apart.
Jackson’s plan focused on the "cells" already inside the state. He wanted to use anti-money laundering laws to cut off the cash flow of local distribution networks. He also leaned into treatment, pushing for more medication-assisted therapy for those struggling with addiction.
Bishop looked further south. He argued that the fentanyl crisis was a direct result of "open borders" and federal immigration failures. His solution was rooted in tougher enforcement and border security, suggesting the state’s top lawyer should use his platform to pressure the federal government and support local sheriffs in aggressive policing.
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Money, Ads, and the "Nasty" Turn
This was the most expensive AG race in North Carolina history. Jackson raised over $15 million, while Bishop brought in around $9 million. Most of that cash went into scorched-earth TV ads.
It got personal. Bishop sued Jackson's campaign for defamation over an ad that claimed Bishop represented people who stole from the elderly. Jackson’s team, meanwhile, threatened their own legal action over ads linking him to a convicted sex offender. It was a messy, loud finish to a race that was often overshadowed by the presidential and gubernatorial contests.
The Outcome: What the Voters Decided
When the dust settled on November 5, 2024, Jeff Jackson emerged as the winner. He secured roughly 51.4% of the vote compared to Bishop's 48.6%. It was a narrow victory, but in a state as purple as North Carolina, a win is a win.
Jackson’s victory preserved the Democratic "triplex"—the party held onto the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General offices. Even though Republicans kept a tight grip on the legislature, the AG’s office remains a Democratic pillar.
Key Factors in the Win:
- Urban Surge: Jackson dominated in urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh.
- The "TikTok" Effect: His ability to reach younger voters directly through social media helped bridge the gap in suburban areas.
- Candidate Quality: While Bishop had a solid base, his association with controversial past legislation like HB2 made it harder for him to win over moderate swing voters.
Actionable Next Steps for North Carolinians
The election is over, but the work is just starting. If you’re a resident of the Old North State, here’s how you can stay engaged with the office Jeff Jackson now holds:
- Watch the Scams: The AG’s office is the primary place to report AI-based scams or price gouging. If you see something suspicious, use the online reporting tool at the NC DOJ website.
- Track the Opioid Settlement: North Carolina is receiving millions from national opioid settlements. The AG oversees how that money is distributed to counties for treatment and prevention. Check your local county commission's plans to see how that money is being spent in your backyard.
- Monitor Legislative Defenses: Keep an eye on the lawsuits between the General Assembly and the AG. This tension defines how laws on voting and healthcare are actually applied.
The 2024 race showed us that the Attorney General isn't just a lawyer—they're a political powerhouse. Whether you voted for Jackson or Bishop, the decisions made in that office over the next four years will hit your wallet, your safety, and your rights directly.