Just over a month from the 2026 primary elections, which will be held on March 3 TuesdayVarious local, state, and federal contests are beginning to define the political course of North Carolina.
In these elections, some officials are seeking to remain in power, while new contenders are trying to challenge them and win a place in elected office.
Enlace Latino NC It shares an overview of some of the competitions that will focus attention on the 2026 primary election scenario and that could have a direct impact on communities in the state.
Federal election
All eyes are on the race for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 4.
In this district, the congresswoman Valerie Foushee He will seek re-election in the primaries on March 3.
Foushee will face Nida Allam, who is part of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, and Mary Paterson.
United States Senate
After the primaries in March, the candidates for the vacant seat left by the retirement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis will be known.
The former governor Roy Cooper He is the presumed Democratic Party candidate.
Meanwhile, in the Republican Party, seven candidates are competing for the nomination and a ticket to the November elections.
Those on the list include: Michael Whatley, former chairman of the Republican National Committee; and Michele Morrow, who ran for state superintendent of public instruction in 2024.
Parliamentary election
The focus of the primary elections is on several key contests, both Democratic and Republican, that could define the course of the Legislative Assembly.
One of the contests to watch closely is the Republican primary of North Carolina Senate District 26.
The district seat is currently held by Senate President pro tempore Phil Berger, a Republican from Rockingham.
Berger faces Sam Page, the sheriff of Rockingham County.
The election took on national significance, with the intervention of President Donald Trump.
Trump endorsed Berger and asked Page to retire and work for him in Washington DC.
Carla Cunningham
On the Democratic side, the spotlight is on the primary for the 106th District of the House of Representatives.
That district is currently represented by the legislator Carla Cunningham, who has held this seat for more than 10 years,
Cunningham faces a challenge in the primaries from several Democrats, including pastor and community advocate Rodney Sadler.
Sadler has the backing of Governor Josh Stein.
Related: Until when can you register to vote and deadlines for the 2026 North Carolina primaries
Municipal elections
Raleigh
Councilman Jonathan Lambert-Melton will not seek re-election and will open up at least one of the two city of Raleigh at-large seats.
Six people are competing in the contest and four will advance to the general election.
Durham
With four of the seven seats up for grabs, the primary election in March will result in a new school board in the city.
Only one of the current members, Bettina Umstead, is seeking to retain her position; this leaves three seats completely open.
Mecklenburg
The race for Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 2 will be one to watch closely.
Vilma Leake, who has served as commissioner for 17 years, will face Monifa (Mo) Drayton, who is new to politics.
Judicial election
With Wake County Attorney Lorrin Freeman stepping down after more than a decade in office, voters have a rare opportunity to choose from a list of candidates that does not include an incumbent.
No Republican candidate ran for the position, so the March 3 primary between three Democrats will effectively decide who will occupy the county attorney's office.
The significance of this contest lies in the importance of the role played by district attorneys, who have broad discretion to decide which cases are prosecuted in court, which are referred to specialized programs or dismissed, and often, how cases are resolved.
Sherita Walton, Melanie Shekita and Wiley Nickel are the three candidates who will seek to take over the position that Freeman is leaving.
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