North Carolina Primary Elections Draw Record Early Voting as Senate Race Between Cooper and Whatley Heats Up

North Carolina voters headed to the polls today for pivotal 2026 primary elections, marking high turnout with early voting up more than 25 percent over 2022 levels, surpassing 714,000 ballots according to State Board of Elections officials. ABC News reports the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis drew intense focus, pitting Democrat former Governor Roy Cooper, a proven statewide winner, against Trump-endorsed Republican Michael Whatley, former RNC chair, in what could become one of the nation's priciest contests as both parties vie for Senate control. Governor Josh Stein spotlighted economic momentum, announcing Daimler Truck Financial Services USA's new Charlotte headquarters creating 276 jobs with a $7.8 million investment, alongside Turkish firm Pelsan Tekstil's first U.S. plant in Wayne County adding 216 positions and biotech giant Genentech's $700 million Holly Springs facility bringing 400 roles, per NC Commerce press releases. Tourism hit a record $36.7 billion in 2024 spending despite Hurricane Helene's impact, underscoring resilience. Education advances include Rowan-Cabarrus Community College breaking ground on a Technology Education Complex in Salisbury, set for 2027 completion to boost advanced manufacturing and welding training amid high demand. Tri-County Community College launched housing initiatives in Cherokee County to tackle shortages while training for AI operations at Core Scientific. No major recent weather events dominated headlines, though Helene recovery lingers in western districts, influencing races like the challenge to Rep. Chuck Edwards. Looking Ahead: Watch final primary results tonight, the North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12 in New Bern, and a Supplier Matchmaking Expo March 11 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to connect small businesses with manufacturers. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.