Unofficial results for 2026 Primary Election in southeastern North Carolina

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The 2026 North Carolina Primary Election saw a number of key races decided across southeastern parts of the state, including for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislature, district attorney, county commissioner, and school board. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Roy Cooper secured his party's nomination, while on the Republican side, Michael Whatley emerged victorious. Several local races were also decided, with a mix of incumbents and new candidates winning their respective primaries.

Why it matters

The primary election results will set the stage for the general election in November 2026, where control of the U.S. Senate, state legislature, and various county-level offices will be at stake. The outcomes could have significant implications for policy decisions on issues like the economy, education, public safety, and more in the region.

The details

In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, incumbent Roy Cooper easily defeated a field of challengers, winning over 75% of the vote. On the Republican side, Michael Whatley secured the nomination with just over 50% of the vote. In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Republican David Rouzer won his primary. At the state level, several incumbent Republican state legislators were renominated, including Brent Jackson in the state Senate and Frank Iler in the state House. In local races, a mix of incumbents and newcomers won their primaries for county commissioner and school board seats across the region.

• The 2026 North Carolina Primary Election was held on March 3, 2026.
• Unofficial results were reported on March 4, 2026.

What’s next

The general election will be held on November 5, 2026, where the winners of these primary races will face off against their opponents.