North Carolina Voters to Decide Competitive Senate Race

Primaries will also determine nominees for U.S. House, state legislature, and appeals court

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Carolina voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to narrow down the field of candidates in a closely watched U.S. Senate race that could determine control of the closely divided chamber. The primaries will also decide nominees for several U.S. House seats, state Senate and House races, and a state Court of Appeals contest.

Why it matters

North Carolina is considered a key battleground state, and the outcome of the Senate race could have major implications for the balance of power in Congress. The state has also undergone redistricting, with new congressional maps that could shift the political dynamics in some districts.

The details

In the Republican Senate primary, the frontrunner is Michael Whatley, the former GOP national committee chair who has former President Donald Trump's backing. On the Democratic side, former two-term Governor Roy Cooper is facing five other candidates. Both Whatley and Cooper have significantly outraised their primary opponents. Several U.S. House races are also drawing attention, including a rematch in the 4th Congressional District between Democratic incumbent Valerie Foushee and challenger Nida Allam, who has the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders.

  • Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 7, 2026.
  • As of February 21, more than 416,000 Democratic primary ballots and nearly 295,000 Republican primary ballots had already been cast.

The players

Michael Whatley

The former Republican National Committee chair who has former President Donald Trump's backing in the GOP Senate primary.

Roy Cooper

The former two-term Democratic governor of North Carolina who is running in the Senate Democratic primary.

Valerie Foushee

The Democratic incumbent in the 4th Congressional District who is facing a primary challenge from Nida Allam.

Nida Allam

The Durham County Commissioner who is challenging Foushee in the 4th Congressional District Democratic primary and has the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winners of the primaries will face off in the November general election, which could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

North Carolina's primaries will be a key test of the political landscape in a crucial swing state, with high-stakes races for U.S. Senate, House, and state legislature that could have national implications.