2026 Elections and Voter Turnout

Republicans are increasingly alarmed as Democrats overperform in 2026 special elections, stoking GOP concern about turnout and mounting losses. In North Carolina’s March 3 Democratic primary for the 4th District, incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee holds a narrow, roughly 1,000-vote lead with 99% of precincts reporting over Sanders-aligned challenger Nida Allam — who has Bernie Sanders’ backing, rejects AIPAC-style donations and runs to Foushee’s left on immigration and Gaza — while provisional ballots could change the outcome and Allam may seek a recount if the certified margin is within 1%; Foushee is defended by Gov. Josh Stein and other party officials who tout her seniority and ability to secure federal funding.