All of the News & Observer’s endorsements in 2026 NC primary elections

Voters in the Triangle will see a wide range of federal, state and local races on their ballot. The News & Observer editorial board has interviewed and researched the candidates who seek your vote in the 2026 primary election. More information about our endorsement process can be found here.

Here’s a recap of our endorsements for contested Democratic and Republican primaries on the Wake County ballot. Our full recommendations in all races can be found at newsobserver.com/opinion.

U.S. Senate

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will be a formidable opponent for any Republican in November, but voters who want a Republican to replace Thom Tillis have one clear choice, Michael Whatley.

Some Republicans, including candidates Don Brown and Michele Morrow, say Whatley hasn’t inspired GOP voters. But Whatley has obvious advantage in fundraising and institutional support, and he knows how to run a successful campaign.

US Senate endorsement: For NC voters in GOP primary, who can hold off Cooper?

U.S. House

DISTRICT 4: Democratic incumbent, Rep. Valerie Foushee, 69, is a low-key but reliably progressive representative who stands with her party against President Donald Trump and represents her district well.

N&O endorsement: Our choice in the 4th Congressional District’s Democratic primary

DISTRICT 13: If Democrats were to describe the ideal candidate to take on a freshman Republican incumbent in a red district, it would be Democrat Paul Barringer, who combines progressive views with rural roots that may appeal to many in this district.

N&O endorsement: Our choice in the 13th Congressional District’s Democratic primary

N.C. Court of Appeals

COURT OF APPEALS, SEAT 1 (Rep.): Michael Byrne has a record of thoroughness and reputation for fairness behind the bench.

COURT OF APPEALS, SEAT 3 (Dem): Christine Walczyk brings deep and relevant experience that would better meet the daily demands of the appellate court.

Endorsements: Our choices in NC Court of Appeals 2026 primaries

N.C. House and Senate

SENATE DISTRICT 17 (Rep.): Shirley Johnson has deep experience with the legislative process and a focused message.

SENATE DISTRICT 18 (Rep.): Cheryl Caulfield would bring direct knowledge of local schools’ needs to a Republican-controlled Senate that could use more of that perspective.

HOUSE DISTRICT 35 (Rep.): Incumbent Mike Schietzelt, a moderate Republican, backs public schools and higher teacher pay.

HOUSE DISTRICT 37 (Dem.): Marcus Gadson, a UNC law professor, backs tax changes that would restore the state earned-income tax credit, lower the tax on clothing and over-the-counter medicines, and allow a deduction for rent payments.

HOUSE DISTRICT 38 (Dem.): Abe Jones is an established, experience incumbent with a progressive agenda that fits this district.

N&O endorsements: Our choices in Wake County’s state House and Senate primaries

Raleigh City Council

AT-LARGE: We recommend Stormie Denise Forte and Sana Siddiqui. Forte, an attorney and an established City Council member seeking her fourth term, says the city’s ability to attract new residents and business shows it is moving in the right direction. Siddiqui is an engineering product manager who has served on city advisory boards and wants to help make the City Council better at listening to the public.

DISTRICT 3: Corey Branch is well established in this Southeast Raleigh district as he seeks his sixth term on the City Council. He knows and serves his district.

N&O endorsements: Our choices in the Raleigh City Council primaries

Wake County Commission

AT-LARGE: We recommend Christine Kushner and Jonathan Lambert-Melton. Kushner spent 11 years on the Board of Education, including two as chair. She understands the needs of public schools and would be a strong advocate. Lambert-Melton has served on the Raleigh City Council since 2019 and is proud of how the council has encouraged more density in development and expanded the supply of affordable housing. He would like the Board of Commissioners to do the same.

N&O endorsements: Our choices for Wake County Board of Commissioners

Wake County District Attorney

In the race to replace Democratic incumbent Lorrin Freeman, the winner of this primary will be the DA. Republicans did not field a candidate.

Wiley Nickel wants to activate the Wake DA’s dormant role as a prosecutor of political corruption. His strength in community relations offsets what he lacks in criminal trial experience. The DA is, after all, an elected office that must maintain the trust and confidence of the public.

N&O endorsement: Our choice in the race for Wake County District Attorney