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The Triangle's biggest legislative races to watch in 2026

A handful of competitive districts could affect the GOP's ability to override the governor's vetoes.

Politics

Early voting is underway in North Carolina and several competitive state legislative races around the Triangle could reshape Republicans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold on power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/24/republicans-north-carolina-veto-override" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/24/republicans-north-carolina-veto-override" target="_self">hold on power</a>.Why it matters: Republicans are defending a near-supermajority, but Democrats are hoping to capitalize on President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s growing unpopularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/trump-republicans-midterm-election-house-senate" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/26/trump-republicans-midterm-election-house-senate" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s growing unpopularity</a> and gain leverage over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/08/chart-du-jour-opportunity-scholarship-spendings-rise-in-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/06/08/chart-du-jour-opportunity-scholarship-spendings-rise-in-north-carolina" target="_self">education</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/21/north-carolina-saw-influx-of-out-of-state-travelers-seeking-abortions-post-dobbs-study-finds" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/08/21/north-carolina-saw-influx-of-out-of-state-travelers-seeking-abortions-post-dobbs-study-finds" target="_self">abortion</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/12/republican-leaders-general-assembly-budget-legislature-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="d1f71a49-1ed5-4c5e-9800-05c355c2029a" data-vars-headline="The Triangle&#x27;s biggest legislative races to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/05/12/republican-leaders-general-assembly-budget-legislature-north-carolina" target="_self">more</a>.

This year's election includes several local bond decisions

Voters will be asked to borrow money for affordable housing, transit and schools.

While the Senate race is getting most of the headlines, Triangle residents will also weigh several bond referendums on their ballots. Why it matters: Bond referendums give residents a direct chance to determine whether a city or county should borrow large amounts of money to fund projects or infrastructure. <ul><li>They often come with tax increases, though, which is why city leaders often like to put them up for a vote.</li></ul>

Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over

Raleigh's active Chess.com players jumped 67% in a year as the centuries-old game finds new fans.

Culture

Younger adults are now more likely than their elders to play chess, according to recent YouGov <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47760163.39429/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3Vnb3YuY29tL2VuLXVzL2FydGljbGVzLzU0OTQzLXdoYXQtYW1lcmljYW5zLXRoaW5rLWFib3V0LWJvYXJkLWdhbWVzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfcG9ydGxhbmQmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/68c2bf4b2d4e12576f0d465dBc0c3bd91" data-vars-content-id="c5e823b1-3b66-4abe-a883-79ce222e1b89" data-vars-headline="Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47760163.39429/aHR0cHM6Ly95b3Vnb3YuY29tL2VuLXVzL2FydGljbGVzLzU0OTQzLXdoYXQtYW1lcmljYW5zLXRoaW5rLWFib3V0LWJvYXJkLWdhbWVzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfcG9ydGxhbmQmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/68c2bf4b2d4e12576f0d465dBc0c3bd91" target="_self">data</a>.Why it matters: The centuries-old game is becoming a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen Z" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" data-vars-content-id="c5e823b1-3b66-4abe-a883-79ce222e1b89" data-vars-headline="Chess is booming in Raleigh as younger players take over" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" target="_self">Gen Z</a> phenomenon.

Dix Park adds a 23-foot basketball tree

The 23-foot tall statue has 23 basketball hoops.

Things to Do

Dix Park&#x27;s latest art installation is a celebration of one of North Carolina&#x27;s favorite pastimes: basketball. Why it matters: The Dix Park Conservancy has made public art in Dix Park one of its biggest priorities, most notably investing in a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wooden troll sculptures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/23/five-giant-trolls-now-live-in-dix-park" data-vars-content-id="6b219b5e-fd71-464c-8ec7-d74b6fab0c79" data-vars-headline="Dix Park adds a 23-foot basketball tree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/10/23/five-giant-trolls-now-live-in-dix-park" target="_self">wooden troll sculptures</a> that have become a magnet for visitors.

North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules

Key registration and early voting deadlines are approaching as the state's first ballots hit the mail.

Election

Welp, it&#x27;s here.<ul><li>On Friday, North Carolina became the first state in the U.S. to mail voters their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 general election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/election" data-vars-content-id="86b383a6-370b-400c-b15b-574db0446103" data-vars-headline="North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/election" target="_self">2026 general election</a> ballots.</li></ul>Why it matters: North Carolina voters who still need to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="register or update their information" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register/voter-registration-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="86b383a6-370b-400c-b15b-574db0446103" data-vars-headline="North Carolina kicks off voting with new ballot rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register/voter-registration-deadlines" target="_blank">register or update their information</a> should make a plan now.

This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina

Their visits reveal a 2026 strategy centered on the military and congressional swing districts.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> and Vice President JD Vance visit North Carolina, they have a few favorite spots.Why it matters: The administration is already on the campaign trail ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this fall&#x27;s midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="4f7fcee7-9764-4ce9-8733-6f93d4a8dfc7" data-vars-headline="This is where President Trump goes in North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">this fall&#x27;s midterms</a>, and Republicans hope the purple state of North Carolina will deliver some victories for Republicans in Congress.

Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it's recount territory

The unofficial tally shows 1,200 votes separate the candidates, below 1%.

The race between incumbent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Valerie Foushee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/valerie-foushee-orange-county-roots-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Rep. Valerie Foushee</a> and progressive challenger <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nida Allam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/02/27/nida-allam-triangle-campaign-durham-local-limelight-primary-interview" target="_self">Nida Allam</a> was too close to call on election night. <ul><li>The candidates are within 1% of each other in unofficial Democratic primary results for central North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="4th congressional district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/12/north-carolina-4th-congressional-district-democratic-primary" target="_self">4th congressional district</a>, and that&#x27;s recount territory.</li></ul>Why it matters: Democrats nationwide have looked to the race as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pulse check" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/valerie-foushee-primary-nida-allam-bernie-sanders" target="_self">pulse check</a> on voter satisfaction with the party under President Trump — especially when it comes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/03/ice-border-patrol-tactics-north-carolina-fear" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" data-vars-content-id="b0cc67fc-3bc0-4bde-854b-7244661541a6" data-vars-headline="Foushee leads Allam in NC-4, but it&#x27;s recount territory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/foushee-allam-race-israel-00806630" target="_blank">Israel</a> and reining in corporate power.

Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown

Cooper is viewed as Democrats' best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.

Politics & Policy

Former North Carolina Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roy Cooper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/29/cooper-makes-it-official" target="_self">Roy Cooper</a>, a Democrat, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Whatley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/01/whatley-officially-joins-senate-race" target="_self">Michael Whatley</a>, former chair of the Republican National Committee, handily won their primaries Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense and expensive showdown to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican. Why it matters: Cooper, whose folksy eastern North Carolina charm has resonated even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Trump voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">with Trump voters</a>, is viewed as Democrats&#x27; best hope to flip an open, GOP-held seat.<ul><li>Whatley, whom President Trump endorsed, easily fended off Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer whom embattled former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endorsed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" data-vars-content-id="29461951-fa43-4500-b032-fc6834bfd86d" data-vars-headline="Cooper, Whatley set up N.C. Senate showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/" target="_blank">endorsed</a>. </li></ul>

Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races

Key primaries for U.S. Senate, Congress and Raleigh power players are now underway statewide.

In-person early voting begins Thursday across North Carolina ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March 3 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">March 3 primary</a>.Why it matters: 2026 is a complex election year for North Carolina and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United States" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">United States</a>, and these primaries will set the stage for November&#x27;s fight for control of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" data-vars-content-id="76eb1dd1-3024-420a-b0ed-ef34e071750f" data-vars-headline="Inside North Carolina&#x27;s 2026 high-stakes primary races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/19/nc-election-triangle-republican-democrat-primary" target="_self">Congress</a>.

A small town North Carolina election is tied — again

For the second time, a candidate for office in Whitakers will have his name placed in a box for a random drawing.

Update: Ford&#x27;s name was drawn on Monday, making him the winner.The small eastern North Carolina town of Whitakers has a tie for one of the spots on its Board of Commissioners, and it&#x27;s being settled Monday by drawing a name from a box.<ul><li>And for one of the candidates, it&#x27;s not the first time this has happened.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_163/GS_163-182.8.html" data-vars-content-id="4faa9525-a1da-4067-ae8a-0ee2959ff8fe" data-vars-headline="A small town North Carolina election is tied — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_163/GS_163-182.8.html" target="_blank">Law</a> dictates that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections in North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/05/triangle-election-results-durham-cary-morrisville-wake-county" data-vars-content-id="4faa9525-a1da-4067-ae8a-0ee2959ff8fe" data-vars-headline="A small town North Carolina election is tied — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/05/triangle-election-results-durham-cary-morrisville-wake-county" target="_self">elections in North Carolina</a> with 5,000 or fewer votes are settled by random chance.

NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority

Come January Republicans will no longer hold the power to override gubernatorial vetoes.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/06/nc-election-results-trump-josh-stein-split-ticket" target="_self">North Carolina</a> Democrats appear to have broken the GOP&#x27;s supermajority in the state legislature, flipping a key seat an hour east of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/05/north-carolina-election-day-live-results-raleigh" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/11/05/north-carolina-election-day-live-results-raleigh" target="_self">Raleigh</a>. Why it matters: Come January Republicans will no longer hold the power to override gubernatorial vetoes, which could force them to negotiate with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Governor-elect Josh Stein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/north-carolina-governor-race-robinson-stein" data-vars-content-id="5a710ce3-0da4-43fb-b978-e2a3aecccd7d" data-vars-headline="NC Democrats break GOP legislative supermajority" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/north-carolina-governor-race-robinson-stein" target="_self">Governor-elect Josh Stein</a> in order to pass their biggest priorities.

Meet Raleigh's next City Council

Raleigh's City Council will have a couple new faces

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Raleigh City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/29/raleigh-voters-city-council-election" data-vars-content-id="c33063af-41a7-45d7-9ab2-22d4d65f91c1" data-vars-headline="Meet Raleigh&#x27;s next City Council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/10/29/raleigh-voters-city-council-election" target="_self">The Raleigh City Council</a> will welcome two new members after Janet Cowell won the mayor&#x27;s race and Mitchell Silver beat an incumbent in District A. Why it matters: The new council will be tasked with working with Mayor-elect Janet Cowell to guide Raleigh through several key issues the fast-growing city faces, including addressing an increasing need for affordable housing and rolling out bus-rapid transit.

5 races we're watching on election night in the Triangle

While the presidential and governor's races will garner the most attention, there are dozens of interesting down-ballot races to watch in North Carolina.

After the polls close Tuesday night, all eyes will be on how North Carolina votes for president as well as its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversy-laden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/23/nc-mark-robinson-governor-campaign-controversy-republicans" data-vars-content-id="735986b4-7a72-43e8-bdbe-1269fc22ab85" data-vars-headline="5 races we&#x27;re watching on election night in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/23/nc-mark-robinson-governor-campaign-controversy-republicans" target="_self">controversy-laden</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gubernatorial race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/19/mark-robinson-cnn-report-nc-scandal" data-vars-content-id="735986b4-7a72-43e8-bdbe-1269fc22ab85" data-vars-headline="5 races we&#x27;re watching on election night in the Triangle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/09/19/mark-robinson-cnn-report-nc-scandal" target="_self">gubernatorial race</a>. Why it matters: While those two high-profile races will likely affect how many people vote, dozens of down-ballot races will be worth watching on Election Day.

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