This story was updated Wednesday morning to reflect the results in Texas.
Primaries Begin
Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas held the first primaries for the 2026 midterms on Tuesday.
Context
Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, while Democrats hope to capitalize on their historical advantage as the party out of the White House. Both parties have seen redistricting battles after Republican-controlled states redrew congressional maps to target Democratic seats. The races are central to the battle for Senate control, as Republicans defend a 53-47 majority.
North Carolina
Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley (R) won their respective primaries for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.