Democrat Richard Ojeda defeated Republican incumbent Richard Hudson by roughly 2.2 percentage points in the November 3, 2026 general election for North Carolina’s 9th congressional district, according to unofficial results with nearly all precincts reporting. Pre-election polling averages had shown Hudson ahead by low single digits in a district that leaned Republican in prior cycles, yet final tallies reflected a late Democratic surge that flipped the seat. The Polymarket distribution, with Democrat 0-3% leading at 60.8% and Person A/Person B/Other each near 50%, aligns with trader assessment of this narrow certified margin amid high uncertainty over remaining absentee and provisional ballots. Broader statewide Democratic gains in competitive House races contributed to the outcome in this formerly Republican stronghold.