Storm and Sentiment: Hurricane Helene's Political Impact in Western North Carolina

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused historic damage in western North Carolina, displacing thousands of residents weeks before the U.S. Presidential Election. While national voting margins shifted towards the Republican Party between the 2020 and 2024 elections, western North Carolina diverged from this trend. This study examines whether the hurricane potentially influenced this political shift by analysing residents' views on government response, climate change, and disaster relief. Through surveys, this research investigates how natural disasters can shape political beliefs and voting behaviour, offering insights into the broader relationship between environmental crises and partisan sentiment.