when are the primaries

Primaries for the 2026 U.S. midterm elections vary by state, kicking off as early as March and stretching into September, ahead of the November 3 general election. These dates are set by state laws as of late 2025 and could shift via legislation.

Key Dates Overview

The first primaries hit on March 3, 2026 , in states like Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas. June stands out as the busiest month with 16 states voting, while late holdouts like Delaware (Sept. 15) wrap it up.

Here's a breakdown of selected early and notable primaries (full list spans 46 states with congressional focus; odd-year states like Louisiana limit to federal races):

State| Primary Date| Runoff Date (if applicable)
---|---|---
Arkansas| March 3| March 31
North Carolina| March 3| May 12
Texas| March 3| May 26
Illinois| March 17| N/A
Mississippi| March 10| April 7
Alabama| May 19| June (statutory)
California| June 2| N/A
Florida| Aug. 18| N/A
Delaware| Sept. 15| N/A

Why Dates Differ

Each state picks its own timeline—some prioritize early momentum for congressional races, others cluster in summer for voter turnout. June's crowd (e.g., California, Iowa, New Mexico) often sways national narratives, much like how early 2024 primaries shaped that cycle's buzz.

Pro tip : Check your state's board of elections closer to time, as runoffs add extra rounds in places like Texas or Georgia.

TL;DR : 2026 primaries start March 3 (AR, NC, TX), peak in June, end Sept. 15 (DE)—state-specific for Senate/House races.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.