MIDTERMS: Democrats Flip Republican Leaning NC-13

The Democrats have recorded a surprise victory in North Carolina's 13th district.

• The district, left open by outgoing rep Ted Budd (R-NC) who has won the NC Senate race, has been won by Democrat Wiley Nickel.
• The result may change the equation for Democrats in the House and has opened the door to Democrats flipping seats rated as "lean-Republican," rather than tossups.
• Republican candidate Bo Hines, a 26-year-old former footballer endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is another black mark against Trump-endorsees and suggests that "candidate quality" may play a more significant role in House races than expected.
• The result has seen betting markets slightly upgrade their chances of retaining control of the House.
• Nate Silver at 538: "...at the risk of using a cliche, that 13th District call is a little bit of a game-changer. If Democrats can pick off some of the “likely Republican” seats, they have more pathways to hold the House. I wouldn’t bet on them doing so, but they have a chance."