North Carolina primary results 2026: Who’s winning among Republicans and Democrats

North Carolina held its 2026 primary elections on March 3, determining which candidates will represent each party in the November general elections for U.S. House, state legislature, and other offices. These contests were closely observed as part of a broader national midterm cycle. Voters cast ballots across a range of tightly contested House races, and several additional races yielded definitive results or narrow differences.

Republican House Primaries

Across many U.S. House districts, Republican voters selected their nominees:

• District 1 (95.5% reporting): L. Buckhout led with 26,542 votes (39.5%), followed by A. Buck (23,137, 34.4%), B. Hanig (10,903, 16.2%), E. Rouse (3,613, 5.4%) and A. Russell (2,967, 4.4%).
• District 5 (98.9% reporting): V. Foxx dominated with 53,457 votes (74.6%), with J. Osborne (7,914, 11.0%), S. Girard (6,374, 8.9%) and R. Williams (3,961, 5.5%).
• District 7 (98.8% reporting): D. Rouzer secured 43,399 (80.5%) to D. Buzzard’s 10,523 (19.5%).
• District 10 (98.4% reporting): P. Harrigan garnered 46,181 (87.7%) versus M. Sin 6,485 (12.3%).
• District 11 (98.8% reporting): C. Edwards 47,634 (70.1%) vs A. Smith 20,332 (29.9%).
• District 12 (94.2% reporting): J. Codiga 6,557 (67.3%) vs A. Ali 3,181 (32.7%).
• District 13 (98.6% reporting): B. Knott 43,937 (89.9%) vs S. Sharma 4,921 (10.1%).
• District 14 (97.8% reporting): T. Moore 42,434 (83.0%) vs K. Barr 8,680 (17.0%).

Democratic House Primaries

On the Democratic side, several districts saw decisive outcomes, while one contest remained extremely tight:

• District 3 (97.4% reporting): R. Smith 23,438 (56.6%) over A. Jaslow 17,950 (43.4%).
• District 4 (99% reporting): V. Foushee 61,537 (49.2%), N. Allam 60,335 (48.2%), M. Patterson 3,253 (2.6%). This contest is close enough that recount considerations are likely before final certification.
• District 5 (99% reporting): C. Hubbard 25,546 (56.7%) vs K. Creekmore 19,483 (43.3%).
• District 6 (99% reporting): C. Jefferson 15,237 (39.2%), A. Kassay 13,274 (34.1%), K. Davenport 6,547 (16.8%), B. Blair 3,840 (9.9%).
• District 8 (98.9% reporting): C. Watson 18,205 (47.9%), K. Clark 14,113 (37.1%), J. Oppenheim 5,679 (14.9%).
• District 9 (99% reporting): R. Ojeda 18,437 (41.8%), N. Bristow 11,788 (26.7%), L. Bibler 6,948 (15.7%), L. Carr 6,942 (15.7%).
• District 10 (99% reporting): A. Bell 19,369 (47.3%), followed by W. Caudle, H. Morley, M. Pearson, M. Yarfitz and R. Scott in smaller shares.
• District 11 (99% reporting): J. Ager 49,077 (64.7%) with others trailing behind.
• District 12 (99% reporting): A. Adams 54,511 (79.0%), M. Williamson 14,533 (21.0%).
• District 13 (98.7% reporting): P. Barringer 29,661 (59.1%), F. Pierce 14,750 (29.4%), A. Nicholi 5,775 (11.5%).
• District 14 (99% reporting): L. Womack 20,586 (52.2%), B. Caldwell 16,496 (41.8%), A. Kargbo 2,351 (6.0%).

These results show a combination of clear victories and intense intra‑party competition, particularly in District 4 where Foushee’s narrow lead emerged as a significant national story.

Other Notable Primary Outcomes Across North Carolina

In addition to U.S. House contests:

• Former two‑term North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley secured the Republican nomination, setting up a high‑stakes Senate contest for the seat of retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
• Several local and state legislative contests also produced competitive results, including races in the state House and Senate where incumbent leaders and challengers vied for legislative seats.

FAQs:

Q1: Who won the Republican nomination in North Carolina’s 1st District?
Laurie Buckhout secured the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Rep. Don Davis. The district was redrawn last year to be more favorable for GOP candidates.

Q2: How close was the Democratic primary in District 4?
Valerie Foushee narrowly led Nida Allam, with just over 1,000 votes separating them. The tight margin may trigger recount considerations before certification.