What The Charlotte Observer endorsed in North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections, and what voters decide next
Endorsements arrive as early voting opens statewide
North Carolina’s 2026 primary election is set for March 3, with in-person early voting running from Feb. 12 through Feb. 28. The ballot includes races that will shape who competes in November for seats ranging from U.S. Senate to judicial posts and local offices in Mecklenburg County.
What the endorsements cover
The Charlotte Observer’s editorial board began publishing its 2026 primary endorsements as the early-voting period opened, offering recommended choices across a mix of statewide, regional and local contests. Endorsements are typically organized by race and published as individual editorials, alongside a consolidated list for voters seeking a quick reference.
Major statewide race: U.S. Senate contest takes center stage
The 2026 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched. The seat is open because Sen. Thom Tillis is not seeking reelection. Former Gov. Roy Cooper entered the race in 2025, and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley launched a bid on the Republican side.
The Senate primary is part of a larger March 3 contest that can include a May 12 runoff in certain races if no candidate meets the required threshold.
Local Democratic primaries in Mecklenburg County are unusually consequential
In several Mecklenburg County races, the Democratic primary is likely to be determinative because there is no Republican candidate in the general election. That dynamic applies to high-profile contests including the sheriff’s race, where incumbent Garry McFadden faces primary challengers. McFadden has also been the subject of an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation following a court petition seeking his suspension or removal.
Other organized endorsements add to the decision-making landscape
The Observer’s endorsements are one among several influential slates circulating ahead of the March 3 vote. The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg released a list of primary endorsements spanning federal, state and county races, including U.S. Senate and Mecklenburg County offices. Separately, the North Carolina State AFL-CIO announced endorsements in statewide contests, including U.S. Senate and judicial races.
What voters should know before casting a ballot
Early voting: Feb. 12–Feb. 28 (ending at 3 p.m. on Feb. 28).
Primary Election Day: March 3, 2026.
Where to vote: Early voting sites are county-based, while Election Day voting is assigned by residential address.
The primary is the first major test of the 2026 cycle in North Carolina, determining nominees for contests that will reverberate from Washington to local courthouses.
With competitive statewide races and decisive local primaries, endorsements provide one lens into the field, but the final decisions will be made by voters over the next several weeks.