North Carolina Primary Map: Live Election Results

The New Yorker

March 3, 2026

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North Carolina’s March 3 primary election has drawn significant attention as voters head to the polls to shape the state’s political future. The races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are particularly closely watched, with implications for the balance of power in Congress. In the Senate primary, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is expected to secure his party’s nomination, while Republican strategist Michael Whatley faces a strong field but remains the favorite in a competitive race. Meanwhile, the state’s First Congressional District could flip from Democrat to Republican for the first time since 1883 if the GOP candidate wins in November. In the Fourth District, Democratic incumbent Valerie Foushee is locked in a heated rematch against Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, who has gained support from progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The Senate race is notable for its contrast between seasoned politician Cooper, a moderate with decades of experience and a strong approval rating, and Whatley, a veteran Republican strategist making his first bid for public office. Cooper’s campaign emphasizes his long-standing service and record of bipartisan collaboration, while Whatley positions himself as a fresh voice ready to challenge the status quo. The race takes place in a state that has historically leaned red but remains a battleground, as seen in the 2024 presidential election where Donald Trump narrowly won North Carolina by three percentage points. In the First Congressional District, the redrawn maps have created a more favorable environment for Republican candidates, leading to speculation about whether the seat could flip. Incumbent Don Davis, a Democrat, barely held on in 2024 and now faces one of five G.O.P. primary contenders vying to challenge him in the general election. The stakes are high, as flipping this district would mark a significant shift in North Carolina’s political landscape, ending a century-long Democratic hold on the seat. Meanwhile, the Fourth District race highlights the growing influence of progressive voices within the Democratic Party. Incumbent Valerie F

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 3/3/2026