North Carolina lawmakers have enacted a law over the governor's veto that would diminish the powers afforded to his successor and other other Democratic statewide winners in the Nov. 5 elections.

Despite outspending Republicans, Democrats didn't achieve some ambitious goals in state legislative races. The GOP continues to control more legislatures, though Democrats notched some victories.

With so much focus on the presidential election, keep in mind these down-ballot races can lead to big changes in your state when it comes to policies like abortion, health care and criminal justice.