As candidate filing kicks off for the 2026 election, the Republican landscape in North Carolina is seeing an unusual surge of intraparty competition. The March primaries are slated to be a battleground with numerous GOP incumbents, including Senate leader Phil Berger, facing primary challengers.
By Friday, at least 14 contenders have registered to run against sitting Republican legislators. Among these are candidates like Ray Daly, who is contesting Sen. Tom McInnis in Cumberland and Moore counties, citing disagreements over gambling expansion and shrimp trawling policies.
This wave of challenges includes a concerted effort by educators. The “NC Educators on the Ballot” movement aims to place education advocates on Republican ballots in North Carolina’s deeply conservative regions.
While Republicans are facing substantial intraparty challenges, several moderate Democrats, such as Reps. Carla Cunningham, Shelly Willingham, and Abe Jones, are also confronting primary opponents.
Significant Primary Contests
The WUNC Politics Podcast recently explored some of the noteworthy races to follow as the primary approaches, featuring insights from political reporters Adam Wagner and Dawn Vaughan. Here are some key contests:
Phil Berger vs. Sam Page: A notable race involves Phil Berger, the long-standing State Senate leader, facing a robust challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. Adam Wagner noted, “We’ve already been seeing them trade punches for months on social media.”
This contest could shift the power dynamics within the state should Page emerge victorious in Rockingham and northern Guilford counties.
The Redrawn 1st Congressional District: The newly Republican-favored district has attracted at least five candidates, including state Sen. Bobby Hanig and Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, vying for the GOP nomination.
Dawn Vaughan remarked on the competitive field, saying, “It’s almost refreshing that there are multiple Republicans trying to get this, as opposed to Trump picks somebody, and that’s how it is.” However, a Trump endorsement could still sway the outcome.
Carla Cunningham’s Challenge: Democratic Rep. Carla Cunningham faces opposition from within her party after her support for an immigration enforcement bill. Several Democrats, including pastor Rodney Sadler, are contesting her seat.
Freedom Caucus Showdown: Rep. Keith Kidwell, known for his agricultural legislative stances, is challenged by farmer Darren Armstrong, who has Senate ties through his appointment to a community college board.
Democratic Rematch: A rematch is on the horizon between Rep. Rodney Pierce and former Rep. Michael Wray in Halifax, with Wray seeking to reclaim his seat by emphasizing his legislative successes.
Listen to the full discussion – on these races and more – on the WUNC Politics Podcast.
