All of The Charlotte Observer’s endorsements in 2026 NC primary elections
The Charlotte Observer editorial board has interviewed and researched the candidates who seek your vote in the 2026 primary election.
Here’s a recap of our recommendations for contested Democratic and Republican primaries on the Mecklenburg County ballot. Our full recommendations in all races can be found at charlotteobserver.com/opinion.
U.S. Senate
The race for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat will be a contentious — and expensive — one. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is a formidable opponent. Voters who want a Republican to replace Thom Tillis have only one clear choice, Michael Whatley, who has an obvious advantage in fundraising and institutional support. He knows how to run a successful campaign, even if he’s never been a candidate himself.
US Senate endorsement: For NC voters in GOP primary, who can hold off Cooper?
U.S. House
DISTRICT 8: In the Democratic primary, Colby Watson is running the strongest campaign, and he is clearly dedicated to doing so.
DISTRICT 12: Incumbent Alma Adams, who continues to be a capable and communicative representative for her district, is the clear choice for Democratic voters. In the Republican primary, we recommend Addul Ali, who offers a more thoughtful and pragmatic policy approach than his opponent.
DISTRICT 14: Democratic voters have two strong choices in Brent Caldwell and LaKesha Womack, but we recommend Caldwell, who holds an advantage in fundraising and grassroots organizing that will give Democrats the best chance to win in this district. In the Republican primary, Tim Moore is the candidate who best represents conservative values in his district.
Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices in U.S. House primaries
N.C. General Assembly
SENATE DISTRICT 37 (Dem): Raygan Angel is a knowledgeable candidate aiming to bring more attention to gerrymandering and boost turnout in the statewide general election.
HOUSE DISTRICT 99 (Dem): Despite concerns about veto override votes and constituent outreach, incumbent Nasif Majeed is still the most experienced candidate in the race, and his community would benefit most from his returning to Raleigh.
HOUSE DISTRICT 105 (GOP): It’s hard for Republican voters to be confident that either candidate in this race truly shares their values, but incumbent Tricia Cotham has delivered for her district’s GOP voters in her last term.
HOUSE DISTRICT 106 (Dem): With his experience and leadership, Rodney Sadler gives voters the best alternative to incumbent Carla Cunningham, who has lost the trust of her constituents.
Observer endorsements: Our choices in Mecklenburg’s NC House and Senate primaries
Mecklenburg County Sheriff
Mecklenburg County must move on from incumbent Garry McFadden, whose tenure has been beleaguered by an exodus of employees, charges of toxic leadership and a troubling number of jail deaths. We recommend Ricky Robbins, who has broad law enforcement experience and offers a fresh start and clear vision that can move the sheriff’s office forward.
Charlotte Observer endorsement: Our choice for Mecklenburg sheriff
Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
AT-LARGE (Dem): Leigh Altman and Arthur Griffin are thoughtful, pragmatic leaders who deserve another term. Nichel Dunlap-Thompson would bring a fresh, unique perspective to the board, especially on transportation.
DISTRICT 1 (Dem): Morris “Mac” McAdoo stands out in a field of impressive candidates.
DISTRICT 2 (Dem): Monifa Drayton has a strategic background and superior grasp of issues.
DISTRICT 3 (Dem): George Dunlap continues to be an engaged and productive commissioner.
Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices in Mecklenburg County Commission primaries
Judicial races
COURT OF APPEALS, SEAT 1 (GOP): Michael Byrne has a reputation for thoroughness and fairness behind the bench.
COURT OF APPEALS, SEAT 3 (Dem): Christine Walczyk brings relevant experience that would meet the daily demands of the appellate court.
SUPERIOR COURT, DISTRICT 26C, SEAT 1 (Dem): George Guise brings decades of experience and is regarded as a thoughtful, meticulous attorney.
DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT 26, SEAT 18 (Dem): Cecilia Oseguera has deeper experience and her performance on the bench merits another term.
Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices in NC, Mecklenburg judicial primaries
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we do our endorsements
Members of the combined Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer editorial boards are conducting interviews and research of candidates in municipal and state elections. The combined board is led by N.C. Opinion Editor Peter St. Onge, who is joined in Raleigh by deputy Opinion editor Ned Barnett and in Charlotte by deputy Opinion editor Paige Masten. Board members also include Observer editor Rana Cash and News & Observer editor Nicole Stockdale.
The editorial board also talks with others who know the candidates and have worked with them. When we’ve completed our interviews and research, we discuss each race and decide on our endorsements.
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM.