North Carolina 2026 Primaries Select Senate Nominees Amid Increased Voter Turnout

North Carolina's 2026 primary elections on March 3 selected nominees for various offices, including the U.S. Senate. Roy Cooper won the Democratic nomination, and Michael Whatley secured the Republican ticket for the open Senate seat following Thom Tillis's decision not to run. Early voting saw a 25% increase from 2022, reflecting strong voter engagement. The results set the stage for competitive general elections in November, highlighting North Carolina's role as a key battleground state.