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North Carolina’s 2026 midterms heat up with Senate showdown and crowded primaries

A battle for the U.S. Senate and packed primaries define North Carolina’s 2026 elections. Will early frontrunners hold their leads—or face surprises?

, and Administrator

2025 December 3 . 1:31 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see this people are sitting on the chairs. This person is standing at the... — In this image we can see this people are sitting on the chairs. This person is standing at the podium. In the background of the image we can see banners, blue curtains, flags and lights to the ceiling.

North Carolina’s 2026 midterms heat up with Senate showdown and crowded primaries

North Carolina’s 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a busy contest. Voters will choose candidates for key state and federal roles, including a U.S. senator, all 14 House representatives, and multiple judicial seats. Primary elections will take place on March 3, with the general election following on November 3.

The race for the U.S. Senate seat has already drawn attention. Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is expected to run and currently leads Republican Michael Whatley by nearly 10% in early polls. Whatley, however, will first face at least three challengers in the GOP primary, including Waxhaw’s Don Brown and Smithfield’s Elizabeth Temple, the first two to file.

The primaries on March 3, 2026, will narrow the field before the general election eight months later. Candidates are already filing, with key races emerging in both federal and state contests. The outcomes will determine North Carolina’s representation in Congress, the courts, and the state legislature.