Candidate filing in North Carolina closed on Friday with a long list of names jumping in to run for federal, state and local offices, marking the official start of what will be a fiery 2026 midterm.

Why it matters: From the U.S. Senate to Mecklenburg County commissioners, there are lots of races to watch this year that will affect your daily life and the future of where you live.

How it works: Voters will cast ballots in their respective parties in the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, primary election. The winning candidates will advance to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

What we're watching: U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis announced in June 2025 that he would not seek reelection after his opposition to the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" drew attacks and promises of a challenge from President Trump.

• Democratic primary contenders include former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and several other candidates.
• Republican primary candidates include Michael Whatley, the Trump-endorsed chair of the Republican National Committee who previously led the North Carolina GOP, former North Carolina superintendent candidate Michele Morrow, and other candidates.
• Shannon Bray, who has run for U.S. Senate, governor and lieutenant governor, is the only Libertarian candidate.

Full guide

Challengers have lined up to run against Charlotte-area Democrats who routinely side with the Republican Party, setting the stage for some rare competitive primaries in Mecklenburg County.

Why it matters: Charlotte is one of North Carolina's Democratic strongholds, but it's also the place where blue-elected officials cause headaches for their own party, helping Republicans score weighty wins on politically divisive issues.

State of play: Republicans hold a supermajority in North Carolina's state Senate, but are one vote short in the House, meaning they only need to recruit one Democrat to override Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes.

• The GOP has been able to do that relatively easily with a couple of Charlotte-area Democrats they've come to rely on.

Case in point: Both Reps. Nasif Majeed and Carla Cunningham, along with Rocky Mount Rep. Shelly Willingham, made headlines for supporting Senate Bill 266, which weakened mandates on Duke Energy to cut carbon emissions.

By the numbers: Cunningham votes with the GOP majority 84% of the time in the 2025-2026 session, while Majeed's record is 71%, according to voting statistics.

• Neither responded to requests for comment.

Keep reading

Travelers who booked American Airlines basic economy tickets on or after Dec. 17 at 12am CT will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points, according to the airline's website.

Why it matters: Airlines are increasingly stripping perks from their cheapest fares, and American's move means some travelers will no longer earn loyalty rewards on flights they already view as bare-bones.

Zoom in: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is American's second-largest hub after Dallas, with the airline operating about 90% of flights. That dominance limits travelers' alternatives and often drives up fares.

Keep reading

Charlotte entrepreneur Caleb Musser recently launched a rideshare-style junk-removal platform in Charlotte and Charleston called BoxMow.

Why it matters: BoxMow is the latest business to incorporate AI into its primary function. It also makes it easier for consumers to dispose of junk.

How it works: Upload a photo of what you want picked up to BoxMow's website, which will use AI to analyze your order. Then you'll get a quote for your pickup.

• BoxMow pickups typically cost between $50-$100, Musser tells Axios. Larger orders requiring two trucks may exceed $150.
• Items will be picked up the next day. Items must be outside, as BoxMow will not enter your home, Musser says.
• BoxMow will trash, recycle or donate your items to Goodwill.

Yes, but: The county offers a free bulk item pickup for large household items that can be scheduled in advance. BoxMow, however, points to the convenience of its services.

Keep reading

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Chief Information Officer at Charlotte Country Day School.
2. Account Manager at Mark's Plumbing Parts.
3. Junior Accountant at The Lynnwood Foundation.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🏈 The Carolina Panthers beat NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. (Axios)

🍽 PostScript Restaurant will open in the former Letty's on Shamrock space. (CharlotteFive)

🛍️ Kim Kardashian's Skims brand will open a store in Charleston. (Post and Courier 🔐)

✈️ American will add daily service to Columbia, Missouri, on June 4. (Axios)

Finish 2025 and kick off 2026 with more than 50 fun things to do in Charlotte.

🎄 Monday: "Soulful Noel," a Christmas show with a splash of funk, R&B and soul, at Booth Playhouse through Dec. 23. | $50.30+| 7pm | Details

🎅 Tuesday: Santa will be at The Goodyear House from 5-7pm. Kids eat free here on Tuesday nights. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to OurBRIDGE for Kids. | Prices vary | 5-7pm | Details

🍿 Wednesday: "It's a Wonderful Life" at Independent Picture House. | $9.25+ | 2:30pm | Details

✨ Thursday: Holiday lights in McAdenville, aka Christmastown USA. | Free | Until 10pm through Dec. 26 | Details

🏒 Friday: "Heated Rivalry" finale watch party at Platform Sports with Trope Bookshop. RSVP required. | Free | 7:30pm | Details

Holiday plans

Construction is underway on the Charlotte 49ers' expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, with brick and concrete being removed to make way for steel to go up, a 49ers spokesperson tells Axios. Steel is expected to begin going up in March.

Context: The $70 million project, which broke ground in August, will add a new state-of-the-art tower with premium seating. It will also bring the stadium's capacity to over 18,000 seats.