Likely NC voters’ optimism on right direction for country improves

A new Carolina Journal poll reveals improved optimism among North Carolina voters regarding the direction of the country and state.

The findings show a sharp improvement since August, with 48% of likely NC voters now believing the United States is on the right track, compared to just 23% prior to the November election. Meanwhile, those who feel the nation is on the wrong track dropped from 70% in August to 47% this month.

Optimism about the state’s trajectory has also improved. Currently, 38% say the state is on the right track, up from 33% in August, while those saying wrong track has decreased significantly from 53% to 39%.

The poll also measured approval ratings for key figures in state and national politics. President Donald Trump secured a net positive favorable rating, with 49.5% approving and 48.7% disapproving. Vice President JD Vance was underwater with a 45.5% approval to 50.4% disapproval rate. NC Governor Josh Stein performed much better, with a 55.6% approval rating and 20.4% disapproving.

When it comes to public opinion on notable individuals and organizations, Elon Musk had a 44.6% favorable and 52.3% unfavorable rating. Meanwhile, Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency — or DOGE — earned a 45.5% favorable and 49.5% unfavorable rating. 

The poll explored opinions on a variety of state-specific policy issues, including creating a state-level DOGE in NC: 51.9% support its creation, while 40.6% are opposed.

“These poll results bode well for North Carolina’s recently established Committee on Government Efficiency,” said Carolina Journal publisher and John Locke Foundation CEO Donald Bryson. “North Carolinians want to know that their tax dollars are going to worthwhile causes, not government bloat.”

Queried on the state’s response to Hurricane Helene, Only 30.2% view the government response to the disaster favorably, while 62.1% hold an unfavorable opinion. Private organizations were considered the most effective responders at 50.3%, compared to the federal at 7.9%, state at 16.2%, and local governments at 9.5%.

“Government agencies would do good to relax restrictions on private organizations that can help after natural disasters,” Bryson continued. “Private organizations, like Samaritan’s Purse, were immediately on the ground following Helene, while many Western North Carolinians reported not seeing help from the government for days – or even weeks.” 

Other results include:

• Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives: 49.4% support ending DEI initiatives in state agencies and schools, compared to 45.3% who oppose.
• Constitutional carry for firearms: 41.8% support allowing concealed carry of firearms without a permit, while 55.6% oppose it. 
• Repealing Certificate of Need (CON) laws: 38% support repealing these regulations on healthcare facilities, 19% oppose repeal, and 43% remain unsure.
• Term limits for legislative leaders: An overwhelming 87.6% favor term limits for positions like House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem, with only 4.7% opposed. 
• Smartphones in classrooms: 67.7% believe students should not be allowed to have smartphones in class, while 27.8% think they should.

The poll surveyed 615 likely general election voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.94%.

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