Lisa Koperski Elected to North Carolina State House

Koperski wins seat representing Hickory, North Carolina in state legislature

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Lisa Koperski has been elected to represent North Carolina's 98th State House District, which includes parts of Hickory and the surrounding area. Koperski, a Democrat, won the seat in the 2026 state legislative elections.

Why it matters

Koperski's victory flips the 98th District seat from Republican to Democratic control, potentially shifting the balance of power in the North Carolina State House. The district has been a Republican stronghold, making Koperski's win an important pickup for Democrats.

The details

Koperski, a community organizer and small business owner, campaigned on a platform of investing in public education, supporting local businesses, and addressing the region's opioid crisis. She defeated the incumbent Republican representative by a margin of 52% to 48%.

  • Koperski was elected to the North Carolina State House on November 5, 2026.
  • She will be sworn in to her two-year term on January 1, 2027.

The players

Lisa Koperski

A Democrat who was elected to represent North Carolina's 98th State House District, which includes parts of Hickory and the surrounding area.

North Carolina State House

The lower chamber of the North Carolina General Assembly, the state legislature.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored that the voters of the 98th District have put their trust in me to be their voice in the state legislature. I'll work hard every day to deliver results for our community.”

— Lisa Koperski (Hickory Daily Record)

What’s next

Koperski will be sworn in to her two-year term on January 1, 2027 and will begin serving in the North Carolina State House.

The takeaway

Koperski's victory in the 98th District race represents a significant pickup for Democrats in the North Carolina State House, potentially shifting the balance of power in the legislature.