North Carolina voters are casting ballots Tuesday to decide who will succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, with former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley at the top of the ticket.
Cooper has maintained a consistent lead in public polling, and a victory would hand Democrats a crucial pickup in their bid to secure a Senate majority. The race is one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 cycle, drawing national attention and heavy spending.
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Results will be updated live as they come in.
What’s at stake
The outcome in North Carolina could determine which party controls the Senate next year. Democrats need to net a handful of seats to break the Republican majority, and North Carolina is among their best opportunities. A Cooper win would be a major victory for the party, while a Whatley upset would preserve Republican hopes of holding the chamber.
Cooper, who served two terms as governor and previously as attorney general, has emphasized his executive experience and bipartisan appeal. Whatley, a former North Carolina GOP chair and RNC leader, has focused on national security, economic policy, and tying Cooper to the national Democratic agenda.
Down-ballot implications
The Senate race is not the only contest on North Carolina ballots. Voters are also deciding several House races that could shape the narrow majority in the lower chamber. For a full picture of those contests, see our live results for North Carolina House races.
Meanwhile, other states are holding key elections Tuesday. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins is fighting for another term, and we’re tracking results in the Maine Senate race as polls close. And in South Carolina, the governor’s race between Wilson and Johnson is also wrapping up—follow live updates from South Carolina.
What to watch
Early returns from urban counties like Wake and Mecklenburg will offer initial clues about turnout and Democratic performance. Rural and suburban counties will then fill in the picture. Both campaigns have invested heavily in get-out-the-vote operations, and the margin in the suburbs could prove decisive.
National observers are also monitoring how national issues—such as the economy and gas prices—are influencing voter behavior. With record gas prices on Election Day, economic concerns are front and center for many voters.
Stay with The World Signal for live updates and analysis as the results come in.
