2026 NC Primary Election

Willingham falls prey to challenge from the left in closely watched primary

NC Rep. Shelly Willingham has lost his primary reelection bid to challenger Patricia Smith, who secured 56% of the vote compared to Willingham’s 44%. Willingham, a Democrat representing Edgecombe, had developed a reputation as a political maverick who frequently sided with Republicans on controversial legislation.

David N. Bass

News

GOP primary voters reject Educators on the Ballot candidates

All six candidates recruited by the pro-public school group Educators on the Ballot failed to unseat Republican incumbents in the recent primary election, suffering landslide losses across every district contested. Critics characterized the group's effort as an attempt to disrupt GOP primaries with left-leaning candidates who had recently switched parties, a strategy that was decisively rejected by Republican voters.

David N. Bass

News

NC primary sees strong turnout, early voting surge

North Carolina’s primary election is off to a smooth start, with strong turnout reported statewide, according to State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes. During a Tuesday morning press conference, Hayes said tens of thousands of voters had already cast ballots during the early voting period, signaling solid participation ahead of Election Day.

Theresa Opeka

Willingham falls prey to challenge from the left in closely watched primary

GOP primary voters reject Educators on the Ballot candidates

NC primary sees strong turnout, early voting surge

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