Roy Cooper enters crowded Senate primary as North Carolina voters head to the polls
Former two-term Gov. roy cooper is one of six Democrats on the ballot as North Carolina held primary voting on March 3, 2026, in a U. S. Senate contest that could affect control of the closely divided chamber. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats need a net pickup of four seats.
Roy Cooper faces five challengers in Democratic primary
The U. S. Senate primary in North Carolina features a dozen candidates — six Republicans and six Democrats — vying to succeed Sen. Thom Tillis after his retirement was announced last June. In the Democratic field, roy cooper faces five other candidates, and both roy cooper and the leading Republican fundraiser have far out-raised their primary opponents.
Michael Whatley is the most prominent Republican contender
On the Republican side, the most prominent name is Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chair who has President Donald Trump's backing. Other Republicans on the ballot include author and attorney Don Brown and conservative activist Michele Morrow; one former GOP candidate, Margot Dupre, was disqualified from appearing on the ballot.
Congressional primaries run on a new 2025 map
Congressional primaries were contested under a new map drawn in 2025. The 1st Congressional District was redrawn to favor the GOP and features a five-way Republican primary to challenge Democratic U. S. Rep. Don Davis: Laurie Buckhout, Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck, state Sen. Bobby Hanig, Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse and attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell. In the 4th Congressional District, Democratic U. S. Rep. Valerie Foushee faces a rematch with Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, who has the endorsement of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Buncombe County posts strong turnout on March 3, 2026
Election Day turnout was high in Buncombe County. Buncombe County Election Services said 15, 125 voters had cast ballots as of 4 p. m. on March 3, 2026, and more than 30, 000 people voted during the early voting period — nearly 5, 000 more than in the 2024 early voting period. Corinee Duncan, director of elections for Buncombe County, credited recent local election experiences for part of the turnout, while voters described the process as smooth and efficient.
Voters at polling places in Buncombe County said many chose early voting but that Election Day voting remained a family tradition for some. One voter, Taylor Berryhilo, described a quick process: "I was in and out and probably less than five minutes. " Another voter, Maria Buchanan, said she came with family to involve her son in the process.
Across the state, Wake and Mecklenburg counties, home to Raleigh and Charlotte, have the highest populations and tend to contribute the most votes in both Democratic and Republican primaries; Guilford County is the third largest, with about half the population of Wake or Mecklenburg.
Tuesday's primary winners will face off in the November general election.
