If you've been scrolling through your feed lately wondering about the legal future of the Tar Heel State, you aren't alone. The question of who is running for attorney general in nc was one of the loudest debates in the 2024 election cycle. It wasn't just another down-ballot race. It was a massive, high-stakes showdown between two sitting congressmen with very different visions for how the law should work in North Carolina.
Since we are now in early 2026, the dust has settled, but the impact of that race is felt every single day in the state’s courtrooms. The short answer? The seat was won by Jeff Jackson, a Democrat from Charlotte. He took the oath on January 1, 2025, succeeding Josh Stein. But the path to that win—and the people who challenged him—is a wild story of TikTok fame, "bathroom bills," and millions of dollars in attack ads.
The Big Names: Jeff Jackson vs. Dan Bishop
Honestly, this was probably the highest-profile Attorney General race in the country. Usually, these races are kinda sleepy. Not this time. Both candidates left their seats in the U.S. House of Representatives specifically to fight for this job.
Jeff Jackson (The Winner)
You probably know Jeff Jackson from your phone screen. He basically built a national brand by talking directly into his camera, explaining the messy inner workings of Congress in a way that didn't feel like a lecture. Before he was "TikTok famous," he was a major in the National Guard and a former prosecutor in Gaston County.
Jackson's pitch was simple: he wanted to be a "shield" for the state. He focused heavily on:
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- Fentanyl and Opioids: Cutting off the supply chain and treating it as a public health crisis.
- Consumer Scams: Specifically the new wave of AI-generated fraud.
- Staying Out of the Fray: He promised to represent state agencies even when he didn't personally agree with their policies—a claim his opponent constantly questioned.
Dan Bishop (The Challenger)
On the other side, you had Dan Bishop. If Jackson was the digital-native centrist, Bishop was the unapologetic conservative warrior. A member of the House Freedom Caucus, Bishop is perhaps most famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for being the primary author of HB2—the "bathroom bill"—back when he was in the state legislature.
Bishop didn't hold back. He called Jackson "soft on crime" and argued that the state needed an Attorney General who would aggressively defend the laws passed by the Republican-led General Assembly. He had the backing of big-name Republicans and focused his campaign on border security and a "law and order" approach to the fentanyl crisis.
Why it wasn't just a two-man race early on
Before we got to the general election, there was a primary. You might forget that Jackson actually had to fight through his own party first.
In the Democratic primary, Jackson faced Satana Deberry, the District Attorney for Durham County. Deberry ran as a more progressive alternative, focusing on "reproductive justice" and pointing out that she actually had current experience running a massive DA's office, whereas Jackson had been in Congress for a few years. She was a powerhouse in the race, but Jackson’s massive fundraising and name recognition eventually pushed him to a 54.8% victory in March 2024.
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On the Republican side? It was a lot quieter. Dan Bishop cleared the field early. Other potential names like Danny Britt or Tim Moore (the House Speaker) either stayed in their roles or sought other offices. This let Bishop save his war chest for the general election fight against Jackson.
The Final Count: How it went down
The general election in November 2024 was a nail-biter, though maybe not as close as some pundits predicted. In a state that went for Donald Trump at the top of the ticket, Jeff Jackson managed to pull off a win with 51.4% of the vote.
It was a classic "split-ticket" scenario. North Carolina voters often choose a Republican for President but a Democrat for Governor or Attorney General. Jackson’s victory meant the "Democratic Triplex"—the state’s control of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General offices—remained intact.
What the Attorney General actually does for you
Most people think the AG is just a "super cop," but it's more like being the CEO of the state’s biggest law firm. Since taking office, Jackson has had to handle a massive workload that affects your daily life.
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- The State Crime Lab: They handle the DNA evidence and toxicology reports that solve murders and drug cases.
- Consumer Protection: If a company rips you off or a landlord illegally raises your rent, the NCDOJ is the one that sues them. In fact, since taking office in 2025, Jackson has already gone after several major landlords for rent-gouging.
- Defending Laws: This is the tricky part. When the legislature passes a law, the AG has to defend it in court—unless they believe it's unconstitutional. This is where Jackson and the Republican-led legislature have already started to butt heads.
What most people get wrong about this race
A common misconception was that the Attorney General can just "stop" any law they don't like. That’s not quite how it works. While the AG has a lot of discretion, they are still bound by the state constitution.
Another weird detail? A Republican hasn't won the Attorney General seat in North Carolina since 1896. Think about that. Despite North Carolina being a "red" or "purple" state for decades, the AG's office has been a Democratic stronghold for over a century. Dan Bishop came close, but the streak continues.
Actionable steps for North Carolina residents
Now that you know who is in the seat, you should actually use the office. It’s your tax money at work.
- File a Complaint: If you’ve been scammed or believe you’re a victim of price gouging, go to the NCDOJ website and file a formal consumer complaint. They actually investigate these.
- Track the Crime Lab: If you are following a specific case, the AG’s office provides updates on the "rape kit backlog" and other forensic data that was a major talking point during the election.
- Follow the Lawsuits: The AG is currently involved in several multi-state lawsuits against Big Tech and pharmaceutical companies regarding the opioid crisis. These settlements often result in millions of dollars coming back into NC communities for treatment programs.
The 2024 race was a turning point for North Carolina. Whether you voted for Jackson or Bishop, the office is now under new management, and the legal battles of 2026 and beyond are being shaped by the results of that 51% to 48% split. Keep an eye on the NCDOJ’s "Consumer Alerts"—it's the easiest way to see if the person who won is actually doing the job they promised.