North Carolina voters are casting ballots Tuesday in a Senate contest that could determine which party controls the chamber next year. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley, who previously chaired the Republican National Committee, are competing to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
Cooper has maintained a consistent lead in public polling, and a victory would hand Democrats a crucial pickup in their effort to secure a Senate majority. The race has drawn national attention as one of the few genuine toss-ups on the map.
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. EST
Voting concludes at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Results will begin to flow shortly after, with Decision Desk HQ providing live updates. Given the state's recent history of close elections, the outcome may not be immediately clear.
The contest is unfolding alongside several other competitive races across the country. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins is facing a tough re-election fight, while South Carolina's governor race is also drawing to a close. Meanwhile, election officials in Texas are still working through a felon voting probe that won't be finished by Election Day, and an Oklahoma man has been charged in connection with white-powder mailings to election offices and lawmakers.
Economic factors could also play a role: gas prices hit a record $4.11 on Election Day, a development that may weigh on Republican candidates nationwide.
Downballot races and national implications
North Carolina's Senate race is not the only contest on the ballot. The state's 2026 primary featured competitive House races in NC-11 and NC-01, and those districts could see further action in the general election. Democrats are hoping to build on recent gains in suburban areas, while Republicans aim to hold the line in rural and exurban counties.
Cooper, who served two terms as governor and left office with relatively high approval ratings, has emphasized his executive experience and bipartisan credentials. Whatley, a former RNC chair with deep ties to the party's grassroots, has focused on national security and economic issues, seeking to tie Cooper to the Biden administration's policies.
The outcome will be closely watched as a bellwether for the national political climate. With the Senate majority at stake, both parties have poured resources into the state. A Cooper win would mark a major victory for Democrats in their quest to clinch the Senate majority, while a Whatley upset would provide a significant boost to Republicans defending their narrow advantage.
As polls close, all eyes turn to the Tar Heel State. Follow Decision Desk HQ's live results below for the latest updates.
