7 races to watch in Texas, North Carolina as 2026 primary elections kick off

The 2026 primary cycle has officially begun, and it promises to be an exciting and consequential one. On Tuesday, the first round of contests will take place in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, setting the stage for several important elections this year. With so much at stake, the eyes of the nation will be on these states as they kick off the primary season. In Texas, all eyes will be on the hotly contested Senate GOP primary. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn is facing a tough battle for his political life against two formidable opponents – state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and highly anticipated contests of the year. Senator Cornyn has been a stalwart in the Senate, serving the people of Texas for over 18 years. He has been a strong advocate for conservative values and has worked tirelessly to represent the interests of his constituents. However, his opponents are not taking this race lightly and are determined to unseat him. Ken Paxton, the current Attorney General of Texas, is a well-known figure in the state. He has been a vocal supporter of President Trump and has made a name for himself by taking on high-profile cases, including the legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act. Paxton is positioning himself as a true conservative and is hoping to appeal to the base of the Republican Party. Rep. Wesley Hunt, a former Army officer and helicopter pilot, is also vying for the Senate seat. He is a rising star in the Republican Party and has garnered support from prominent figures such as Senator Ted Cruz. Hunt is running on a platform of bringing a fresh perspective to Washington and focusing on issues such as national security and economic growth. The primary race in Texas is expected to be a fierce one, with all three candidates vying for the support of voters. Each candidate brings their own unique strengths and qualifications to the table, making it a difficult decision for voters. But one thing is for sure – this race will have a significant impact on the future of Texas and the country as a whole. In North Carolina, the primary will also be closely watched as the state gears up for a competitive Senate race. Incumbent Senator Richard Burr is not seeking re-election, leaving the seat open for a new senator to take over. This has led to a crowded field of candidates from both parties, all vying for the chance to represent North Carolina in the Senate. On the Republican side, former Governor Pat McCrory is considered the front-runner. He has a strong track record as governor and is well-known in the state. However, he is facing stiff competition from other candidates, including Congressman Mark Walker and former Congressman Mark Meadows. The Democratic primary in North Carolina is also shaping up to be a competitive one. State Senator Erica Smith and former state Senator Cal Cunningham are the two main contenders for the nomination. Both candidates have strong support from within the party and are hoping to flip the seat from red to blue. In Arkansas, the primary will focus on the gubernatorial race, with incumbent Governor Asa Hutchinson facing a challenge from within his own party. Hutchinson, a popular governor who has served since 2015, is facing a challenge from Jan Morgan, a gun range owner and conservative activist. Morgan is running on a platform of limited government and has criticized Hutchinson for not being conservative enough. The primary cycle in these three states is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and consequential election year. These early contests will set the tone for the rest of the primary season and will shape the landscape for the general election in November. As voters head to the polls in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, they have the opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of their states and the country. It is a privilege and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. So let's embrace this primary cycle with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing that our votes will make a difference in shaping the future of our nation.