The first primaries for the 2026 midterm elections begin Tuesday with competitive races in Texas as well as contests in North Carolina and Arkansas.

Races in North Carolina and Texas will give voters their first chance to shape the futures of the Democratic and Republican parties.

The first primaries for the 2026 midterm elections begin Tuesday with competitive races in Texas as well as contests in North Carolina and Arkansas.

This week marks the first midterm primary elections of 2026. Here's what to watch as voters head to polls in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas.

Texas showdowns between Republicans John Cornyn v Ken Paxton as well as Democrats James Talarico v Jasmine Crockett have made US Senate seat most expensive primary on record

Polling place drama unfolded in the closely watched Texas Democratic Senate primary, in which James Talarico did well against Rep. Jasmine Crockett.