North Carolina voters chose electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote, pitting the Republican Party's nominee, businessman Donald Trump, and running mate Indiana Governor Mike Pence against Democratic Party nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and her running mate Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.

Four candidates appeared on the Democratic presidential primary ballot:[3][4] According to a WRAL-TV/SurveyUSA poll conducted the week before the primary: "[Hillary] Clinton holds a commanding lead of 57% to 34% among likely Democratic voters over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

"[5] Trump managed to pull off a closer than expected win due to both Cruz and his campaigns performances in different metropolitan areas.

Cruz did best in Greensboro, Asheville and the Research Triangle region, where North Carolina's major colleges and capital of Raleigh are located.

From late June 2016 to mid September 2016, Clinton gained momentum and had won most polls conducted in the summer.

From mid September 2016 to late October, Clinton's momentum increased as she won every poll but one.

Prior to the 2016 election, North Carolina had been a Republican stronghold since 1968 with the state voting Democratic only once between then and 2008.

Throughout the 2016 campaign, North Carolina was considered by most a tossup state, with the outcome going into election night heavily debated.

An increase in turnout in North Carolina allowed both Trump and Clinton to out-perform Romney and Obama in terms of the total votes each candidate received.