North Carolina’s 2026 primary results have set the stage for a consequential November general election, including a closely watched open U.S. Senate contest, congressional races, state legislative matchups and important Wake County elections.

Although voters may be looking for “August North Carolina primary results,” North Carolina did not hold a statewide primary in August 2026. The state’s primary election was held March 3, with any eligible second primary scheduled for May 12. The statewide general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The results below provide an August update on the candidates who advanced from the primary.

Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley Win U.S. Senate Primaries

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper won the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat with approximately 92% of the vote.

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley secured the Republican nomination with approximately 64.6%, defeating a field that included Don Brown, Thomas Johnson, Michele Morrow, Elizabeth Temple and Richard Dansie.

The results created a November matchup between Cooper and Whatley for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. The race is expected to receive significant national attention because it could affect control of the U.S. Senate. Review the North Carolina primary results⁠

Congressional Primary Results

U.S. House District 1

Republican Laurie Buckhout won the GOP primary with approximately 39.5% of the vote. She advances to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis in November.

The race is expected to be among North Carolina’s most closely watched congressional contests.

U.S. House District 2

Democratic U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross advanced without a contested Democratic primary in the district representing portions of Wake County.

U.S. House District 4

U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee narrowly defeated Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam in the Democratic primary.

According to official statewide results, Foushee received 61,776 votes, or 49.16%, while Allam received 60,605 votes, or 48.23%. Mary Patterson finished third with 3,274 votes. View the official statewide results⁠

The 4th District includes Durham and portions of Wake, Orange and Chatham counties. Allam carried Durham and Wake counties, while Foushee’s support in Orange and Chatham helped her secure the nomination.

U.S. House District 9

Richard Ojeda won the Democratic primary with approximately 41.8% of the vote. The district includes several counties near the Triangle, including most of Chatham County.

U.S. House District 13

Paul Barringer won the Democratic nomination with approximately 59.1% of the vote. Republican incumbent Brad Knott secured his party’s nomination with nearly 90%.

The 13th District includes Johnston County and portions of Wake County, making the race particularly relevant to Triangle-area voters.

Wiley Nickel Wins Wake County District Attorney Primary

Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel won the Democratic primary for Wake County district attorney with 64,402 votes, or approximately 49%.

Sherita Walton finished second with 40,123 votes, or 30.5%, while Melanie Shekita received 27,004 votes, or 20.5%. Nickel is unopposed in the November general election, positioning him to succeed retiring District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. See the Wake County district attorney results⁠

Raleigh City Council Primary Results

Raleigh voters also narrowed the field for City Council races during the March primary.

In the at-large contest, incumbent Stormie Forte led with approximately 32.7% of the vote. In District C, incumbent Corey Branch received approximately 54.1%, securing a place in the general election.

The 2026 election represents an important transition for Raleigh City Council as the city moves toward staggered four-year terms. Review additional Wake County primary results⁠

Major State Senate Upset

One of the biggest surprises from the North Carolina primary came in state Senate District 26.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page defeated longtime Senate leader Phil Berger by only 23 votes following recounts and ballot reviews. Berger had led the North Carolina Senate since 2011 and was one of the state’s most influential political figures.

Page now advances to face Democrat Steve Luking in the November election. Read more about the Senate District 26 result⁠

North Carolina Court of Appeals Results

Two contested Court of Appeals primaries were also decided:

• Republican Michael C. Byrne won his party’s primary for Court of Appeals Seat 1.
• Democrat Christine Marie Walczyk won her party’s primary for Court of Appeals Seat 3 with more than 63% of the vote.

Both candidates advance to the November general election.

When Is the 2026 North Carolina General Election?

North Carolina’s statewide general election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Absentee voting begins September 4, while in-person early voting runs from October 15 through October 31. Voters should confirm registration, polling-place and photo-identification information through the North Carolina State Board of Elections⁠.

What the Primary Results Mean for Triangle Voters

Triangle voters will have several consequential decisions to make in November. The ballot will include the open U.S. Senate race, congressional contests, judicial races, General Assembly seats, Wake County offices and Raleigh City Council elections.

The Cooper-Whatley Senate contest will lead the statewide ballot, while local races will determine leadership responsible for transportation, housing, public safety, development, education and other issues directly affecting Triangle communities.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for Raleigh election coverage, voter information, local government news and community updates.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |