NC primaries set stage for Senate showdown as Cooper favored and Trump-backed Whatley lead GOP

Polls close across Texas and North Carolina in the first 2026 midterm primaries, with North Carolina vote tallies potentially delayed until 8:30 p.m. ET after a precinct extension. Democrat Roy Cooper is favored to advance to the general in NC’s pivotal Senate race, while Trump-backed Michael Whatley leads the Republican field. Down-ballot races are reshaped by a new GOP-drawn map, creating GOP pickup opportunities in the coastal 1st District and contests in the western 11th District, and Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee faces Durham County commissioner Nida Allam in the Research Triangle.