North Carolina kicks off some of first midterm primaries for key Senate and House races

North Carolina is set to hold some of its first midterm primaries for key Senate and House races. The open US Senate seat will begin to take shape on Tuesday, with former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper leading the field in recent polling against other candidates who have never held elected office. Cooper appears to be the Democrats' best chance at flipping a Republican-controlled seat currently held by retiring Senator Thom Tillis. In contrast, Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chair, leads the Republican primary field with Donald Brown trailing far behind. The primaries are notable due to North Carolina's unique primary runoff rules, which require a top candidate to receive 30% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Polling suggests Cooper has a 10-point lead over Whatley in a head-to-head matchup.

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