Primary Candidates Sprint to Finish in First Midterm Tests

Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas hold the first primaries of the year on Tuesday.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican and Democratic candidates are delivering their closing arguments on Monday in three states that will hold the first primary contests of this year's midterm elections, offering an early glimpse of the mood in each party in the run-up to November. Races up and down the ballot on Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas will help set the balance in power of Washington and determine the candidates for state offices.

Why it matters

These early primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas will provide an important barometer of voter sentiment ahead of the November midterm elections, which could shift the balance of power in Congress and state governments.

The details

The marquee showdown is in Texas, where the most expensive Senate primary on record has featured heated competitions on both sides. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican, is being challenged by Ken Paxton, the hard-right state attorney general, and Representative Wesley Hunt. In the Democratic primary, Representative Jasmine Crockett, a liberal firebrand, faces James Talarico, a state representative and seminarian with a progressive Christian message.

  • The primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2026.
  • Candidates are delivering their closing arguments on Monday, March 1, 2026, ahead of the primaries.

The players

John Cornyn

A Republican senator from Texas who is facing primary challenges.

Ken Paxton

The hard-right state attorney general of Texas who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Wesley Hunt

A Republican representative from Texas who is also challenging Cornyn in the primary.

Jasmine Crockett

A liberal Democratic representative from Texas who is running in the Democratic primary.

James Talarico

A Democratic state representative from Texas and seminarian with a progressive Christian message who is running against Crockett in the primary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The results of the primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas on March 2, 2026 will help set the stage for the November midterm elections.

The takeaway

These first midterm primaries in key states will offer an early glimpse into the political landscape and voter priorities heading into the high-stakes November elections that could reshape the balance of power in Washington and state capitals.