Voters in three states are heading to the polls Tuesday in a series of primary elections that mark the start of the 2026 midterm cycle. These primaries could highlight internal debates within both the Democratic and Republican parties over their future direction.
**Polling Hours and Extensions**
Polls closed at 7:30 p.m. ET in most of North Carolina. However, the North Carolina State Board of Elections announced on social media that voting would be extended by one hour at a Halifax County voting site due to delays Tuesday morning. As a result, no primary results will be available until polls close at 8:30 p.m.
In Texas, polls will close at 8 p.m. ET across most of the state. However, polls in the westernmost part of Texas will close at 9 p.m. ET, and Dallas County polls will remain open until 10 p.m., delaying the release of primary results from those areas.
Arkansas polls are scheduled to close at 8:30 p.m. ET.
**Political Stakes**
The primaries come at a critical time, as Democrats aim to retake control of both the House and Senate, while Republicans strive to maintain or possibly expand their slim majorities. Historically, the party holding the White House tends to lose seats in the House during midterm elections, posing challenges for Republicans. Meanwhile, Democrats face a difficult Senate map this cycle.
**Key Races in Texas**
In Texas, longtime incumbent GOP Senator John Cornyn is fighting to retain his seat amid competitive primary challenges. Attorney General Ken Paxton has questioned Cornyn’s conservative credentials, while Representative Wesley Hunt has criticized him as a “career politician.”
On the Democratic side, voters will choose between state Representative James Talarico and U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett. Both candidates are vying to become the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Texas since the mid-1990s.
Several Texas House districts also feature competitive primaries. GOP Representative Tony Gonzales faces a repeat challenge from hard-right gun advocate Brandon Herrera. This race has been complicated by recent allegations surrounding Gonzales, including an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw is also defending his seat against a primary challenge from state Representative Steve Toth.
Among Democrats, Tejano musician Bobby Pulido competes against emergency physician Ada Cuellar for the party’s nomination in the heavily GOP-leaning 15th district. Additionally, 11-term incumbent Representative Al Green faces newly elected Representative Christian Menefee in a Houston-area district reshaped by last year’s redistricting.
**North Carolina Highlights**
In North Carolina, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley are running for their parties’ Senate nominations. This race is viewed as one of the most hotly contested Senate primaries in the country, with Republicans aiming to hold onto the seat.
The GOP nomination in North Carolina’s 1st House district is also highly competitive. The district was recently redrawn, making it more challenging for Democrats.
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These primaries set the stage for a competitive and closely watched 2026 midterm election cycle as both parties aim to define their paths forward. Stay tuned for updates as results come in throughout the evening.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-north-carolina-arkansas-primaries-polls-close-2026-midterms/
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