Here's who's running for North Carolina governor in 2024

A slate of candidates are vying to become the next governor of North Carolina.

Why it matters: The winner of the Nov. 5 general election will replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has served as the party's last line of defense against the Republican-controlled state legislature since his election in 2016.

• The race could also determine whether this swing state turns red, as Republicans currently hold a majority on the state Supreme Court and a supermajority in the legislature — though the entire legislature is up for re-election in 2024.