Vote tallies in North Carolina may be delayed as the state Board of Elections will not release any results until 8:30 p.m. ET after the board extended voting in one precinct by an hour due to a delay in opening.
Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is favored to advance to the general election in a pivotal race that will help determine control of the Senate. While Democrats haven’t won a statewide federal race in North Carolina since 2008, the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is a top target for the party.
On the Republican side, former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley has President Donald Trump’s support. Whatley’s primary opponents include Navy JAG veteran Don Brown and unsuccessful 2024 state superintendent candidate Michele Morrow.
Down the ballot, the state’s new Republican-drawn congressional map has reshaped the fight for the House. The coastal 1st District has become a prime GOP pickup opportunity, but Democrats aren’t conceding the seat, and they’re looking to go on offensive in the western 11th District. In the Research Triangle, Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee faces a progressive primary challenger, Durham County commissioner Nida Allam.
