North Carolina · 2026 Midterms

What's on your North Carolina ballot

A clear, nonpartisan rundown of the candidates and races North Carolina voters will decide in the 2026 midterms, with where each candidate stands and how competitive the race is.

Open the interactive guide → Updated July 2026

U.S. Senate, North Carolina

Cooper vs WhatleyCompetitive

Open seat after Sen. Thom Tillis's retirement. Cook Political Report: Toss-up; Democrats' best flip opportunity.

Roy Cooper Democrat

Former two-term Governor of North Carolina, former state attorney general

68%est. chance of winning · Cook & Sabato: Lean D; NYT/Siena (June): Cooper +7
  • HealthcareExpand healthcare access, protect Medicaid expansion he enacted as governor
  • EconomyFocus on affordability and the middle class
  • EducationInvest in public education
  • GovernmentRun on bipartisan, moderate record
versus
Michael Whatley Republican

Former Republican National Committee chairman, former NC GOP chair

32%est. chance of winning · Cook: Lean D; trails in all public polling
  • ImmigrationStronger border security and immigration enforcement
  • EconomyLower costs, support business and jobs
  • GovernmentClose Trump ally, America First agenda
  • GunsSupports gun rights

This page is a research starting point, not an endorsement. Ballot Awareness is not affiliated with any candidate, party, or government body. Candidate and primary results are verified against Ballotpedia, the NBC News 2026 election results, and the Associated Press. Win estimates are editorial assessments based on public race ratings (such as the Cook Political Report) and polling, not predictions. Always verify with your official North Carolina election information before voting.

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