First 2026 primaries test the political map in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas

Voters in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas vote in the first primaries of the 2026 midterm cycle, a preview of who will contest key seats this fall. In Texas, the Senate race between incumbent John Cornyn and Ken Paxton (with Wesley Hunt in the mix) dominates attention, while Democrats James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett vie for the party’s blue seat; down-ballot, Rep. Tony Gonzales faces resignation-pressure chatter and Rep. Dan Crenshaw fends off conservative challengers, with a pair of incumbent Democrats (Al Green and Christian Menefee) in a newly drawn district. In North Carolina, the open Senate contest and a pair of House primaries offer signals as Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley lead their respective party tickets amid redistricting. Arkansas should be quieter, with Sen. Tom Cotton seen as likely to win easily and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders unopposed, though Democratic primaries may offer early indicators for November. No seats flip on Tuesday, but results will set up crucial fall contests and gauge party footing across the map.