Texas and North Carolina primaries set stage for high-stakes Senate battles in 2026 midterms

The first primary results of the 2026 midterm elections are in, setting up key races that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

(NBC)- The first primary results of the 2026 midterm elections are in, setting up key races that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

In Texas, four-term Republican incumbent John Cornyn will head to a May runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote in the Republican primary.

Cornyn has criticized Paxton throughout the campaign, pointing to several controversies surrounding the attorney general. Paxton was impeached in 2023 on bribery allegations but later acquitted by the Texas Senate. Cornyn also referenced Paxton’s ongoing and highly publicized divorce as part of his argument that the attorney general could be a liability for Republicans.

“I refuse to allow a flawed, self-centered, and shameless candidate like Ken Paxton risk everything we’ve worked so hard to build over these many years,” Cornyn said.

Paxton, who has built strong support among conservatives through legal challenges on issues such as immigration and federal regulations, pushed back against the criticism.

“You listened to what John Cornyn was selling and you weren’t buying it,” Paxton said. “Tonight, change was on the ballot and change won.”

The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democratic state representative James Talarico in the general election. NBC News projects Talarico defeated fellow Democrat Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.

Democrats say strong voter turnout could signal an opportunity to compete in the traditionally Republican-leaning state.

“We are not just trying to win an election, we are trying to fundamentally change our politics, and it’s working,” Talarico said.

Another closely watched Senate race is unfolding in North Carolina, where Republican Senator Thom Tillis is retiring.

The race is now expected to pit former Democratic governor Roy Cooper against former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley.

Both contests are drawing national attention as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.

Political analysts say the outcomes in Texas and North Carolina could play a major role in determining which party holds power in Washington after November.