North Carolina 2026 primary election: Votes are in, next steps ahead

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley each won their party's U.S. Senate nominations in North Carolina on Tuesday, setting the bout for a fall campaign that could determine control of the chamber.

Whatley and Cooper were victorious in their respective primary elections over crowded fields seeking the seat being vacated by Thom Tillis, who chose last June not to seek a third term. The two announced their candidacies weeks later and had been essentially ignoring intraparty rivals and their respective sides, going after each other almost daily.

True to form, both candidates wasted no time taking shots at each other ahead of what figures to be a heated Senate campaign.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper seeks to win the seat now held by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.

"I'm humbled and excited to accept the Democratic nomination to become the next United States Senator from the great state of North Carolina," Cooper said. "We know our work in this race is just beginning. Right now, everyday people in our state are being left behind as the cost of groceries, utilities, and health care are skyrocketing."

My opponent, Michael Whatley, has cheered on policies coming out of Washington that are spiking costs and devastating families, farmers, and small business owners who are just trying to make ends meet. I'm running for Senate to be an independent voice for North Carolinians, and I'll work with anyone to make stuff cost less for families in our state."

Michael Whatley has never run for office and faces Roy Cooper -- who has never lost a statewide election -- in November's general election.

Whatley quickly countered on Tuesday night.

"Republicans are united, and now the real campaign begins," Whatley said. "This election is a clear choice. Voters will choose between an agenda that supports and prioritizes the working families of North Carolina and law-abiding citizens, or Roy Cooper's agenda that prioritizes the desires of radical political activists ahead of public safety and affordability for working families."

Whatley said the race will focus on public safety, border security, health care costs, and affordability, drawing a direct contrast with Cooper's record as governor.

"As North Carolina governor, Roy Cooper released inmates, blocked cooperation with immigration enforcement, and presided over rising costs, including some of the highest health care expenses in the country," Whatley said. "Families are paying more but feeling less safe."

Cooper will face off against Republican Michael Whatley.

Cooper's race entry brought optimism to Democrats aiming to take back the Senate this year with a net gain of four seats. Democrats view the most likely path as winning in North Carolina, Maine, Alaska, and Ohio. With Cooper, Democrats have a popular two-term governor who served 24 consecutive years in statewide office.

Whatley, who is also a former state GOP chairman, entered the race when President Donald Trump endorsed him after Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law, declined to run. Donald Trump won North Carolina in all three of his presidential elections.

"November is about the future of this state and nation," Whatley said. "Safer communities, lower costs, and leadership that puts law-abiding Americans first."

Whatley will face Democrat Roy Cooper in November.

Tillis' decision not to seek a third term came as the president called publicly for a primary challenge to him because of his opposition to Trump's big tax breaks bill, particularly for the Medicaid cuts contained within.

- The Associated Press contributed.

From the cost of living to the conflict in Iran, voters shared what issues are top of mind as they headed to the polls on Primary Election Day.

State Board of Elections officials say this year's primary election could see historic turnout.

NC State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes says early voting is already ahead of previous turnout.

"We're especially encouraged by this year's early voting turnout," he said. "Early voting participation is up roughly 25% compared to the 2022 primary."

More than 714,000 people voted early across North Carolina. More than 70,000 in Wake Co., 33,000 in Durham Co., and 15,000 in Orange County voted early this year.

A wide array of issues brought voters out to the polls.

For Gregory Bethea in Raleigh, the cost of living is his top concern.

"Prices and affordability," he said. "Housing is going up, gas is going up, food is going up. Everything is just gotten very expensive."

Joni Craven says immigration, homeless, and education are top of mind for her come November.

"The ICE crisis," she said. "Because I feel like if people are working doing the best they can, if they're here, then let them stay here. The trouble makers, get them out. But other than that, I mean, people have to have somewhere to stay."

Some voters also say they're critical of the ongoing military conflict in Iran, including its impact on gas prices.

"Steps are supposed to be taken," said Bethea. "Congress is supposed to give the approval."

Voter education volunteers reminding voters why every election matters.

Ren Pridgeon works as a voter education volunteer. This November will be his 50th year working an election.

"Voter education has fallen by the wayside over the years because everything has become computerized, it's less talking and more searching," he said.

From canvassing to organizing souls to the polls events at his local church and working for the Board of Elections, he says he has done this work for more than five decades to make sure his neighbors not only know how to vote, but they understand why their vote matters.

"The number one issue is Washington, D.C. and we try to let them know that in order to make a change in Washington, D.C., you can't vote every four years. You need to vote every time there's an election, especially that municipal elections that start right here in Raleigh or your local government," he said. "If you didn't vote, you don't have a voice. That's my motto. No vote, no voice."

The issues top of mind for voters in Wake County.

Statewide election results will not be released before 8:30 p.m., the North Carolina State Board of Elections said Tuesday afternoon.

The decision was made at a 3 p.m. meeting after laptop problems at the Littleton site in Halifax County meant about 10 voters could not cast their ballots.

The board voted 4-0 to extend voting availability at the polling site to 8:30 p.m. and to delay releasing statewide results.

The same laptop issues plagued the Hobgood voting site in Halifax County, but no voters were affected by the malfunction.

Also in Wake County, at precinct 20-12, Green Level High School in Cary, the voting site was evacuated for about 15 minutes when a fire alarm went off around 10:50 a.m. No voters were affected.

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State Board of Elections officials provided an update Tuesday morning as voters headed to the polls on Election Day. Officials report high voter turnout already, driven by strong early voting numbers.

During a press conference, officials announced that early voting is up more than 25 percent compared to the 2022 midterm primary, with over 714,000 North Carolinians casting early ballots either in person or absentee.

They also clarified that the potential voting count delays in Cumberland County -- due to recent updates to its tabulation software -- is not a widespread issue. .

In Wake County, more than 70,000 people voted early. A reminder that polls are open until 7:30 p.m., and anyone in line by that time is allowed to cast a vote

Watch full media briefing below: