As the 2026 primary elections come to an end in North Carolina, eyes are turning towards November. But for many races, the primary elections are the determining factor in the race, according to Elon University political science professor Jason Husser.

“For many local races, both in Alamance County as well as throughout the state, winning the primary is oftentimes equivalent to winning the general,” Husser said. “Doesn't put them in office, but it does set them up for a high probability of winning the general. That can come about because of one party being very strong in a particular area, or occasionally when there's nobody running on the other side.”

Husser also said campaigning sometimes is more present in primaries than the general election in some local elections where the district is expected to always go to one party. 

Alamance County’s big ticket race was the Republican primary for sheriff where incumbent Terry Johnson won the primary, securing 57.18% of the vote. He defeated opponents Billy Clayton and Dana Byrd Pasour. Johnson will have an easy bid for reelection in November because of a lack of a Democratic primary.

Pasour said she was disappointed in Alamance County for missing out on an “awesome” opportunity.

“Alamance County missed out on an excellent candidate in Billy Clayton,” Pasour said. “He is a good Christian man, as far as I can tell, and he's a very sharp man. And unfortunately, Mr. Johnson has passed his prime.”

Johnson and Clayton did not respond to Elon News Network’s immediate request for comment.

But for the highly anticipated U.S. Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley, Husser said the primary race didn’t matter as much. He said this is because Whatley and Cooper locked down the field early on and that they didn’t have any serious competitors in the primary. He said the race will begin to heat up now.

“We are in the calm before the storm when it comes to the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina,” Husser said. “Both Whatley and Cooper have raised tremendous amounts of money, they have allies who have raised tremendous amounts of money. That money is there. Ads are already being pre-bought. They are ready to deploy it.”

Cooper dominated in his primary, winning 92% of the vote. 

According to a press release from Cooper’s campaign, Cooper accepted the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate. 

“I’m humbled and excited to accept the Democratic nomination to become the next United States Senator from the great state of North Carolina,” Cooper said in the press release. “We know our work in this race is just beginning.” 

Whatley won the Republican primary by securing 64.60% of the vote. In a victory speech, Whatley said he’s grateful for Trump's endorsement throughout the race.  

“His leadership has changed our country, and I am proud to stand with him in the fight to secure our border, to strengthen our economy and put America first,” Whatley said.

Husser said the effect of primaries on voters going into November differ when not in a presidential election year. 

“On off-cycle years, the impact of primaries in terms of momentum is different than it is on presidential election years. Primaries matter much more in presidential election years in terms of setting a narrative or a stage of the general election ahead,” Husser said. “We see less of that when it comes to midterm elections in North Carolina, but we do still see some of it. It's just at a much smaller, down ballot level.”