primary
North Carolina Primary Election
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Election has passed
U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Governor, statewide offices
What’s being decided
A primary election determines which candidates advance to the November general election. Voters in each party select their nominee, and the winners face each other in the fall.
North Carolina holds an semi-closed primary — registered party members and unaffiliated voters may participate.
Candidates
U.S. Senate
R
Thom Tillis
Republican · Incumbent since 2015
Thom Tillis has represented North Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2015. Before his Senate service, he served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, including as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2014.
Voter information
Registration deadline
October 9, 2026 (25 days before the November 3 general)