5 takeaways from the Texas and North Carolina 2026 primary kickoff

Polling place drama unfolded in the closely watched Texas Democratic Senate primary, in which James Talarico did well against Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Surprises and uncertainty dominated the evening after millions of Americans flocked to the polls on March 3 kicking off the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections that will largely be a referendum on President Donald Trump's return to power.

Voters across three states − Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas − made their voices heard but much of the national spotlight shined on the Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate in the Lone Star State, which cost about $110 million combined breaking campaign spending records.

Confusion reigned on the Democratic side, however, after election rules and court orders disrupted the battle between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico in a contest that was fought over style and perceived electability in November than their modest policy differences.

"I won't be back tonight, because I have no idea of when we're going to get results, and I fully anticipate it won't be until tomorrow," Crockett told supporters late Tuesday evening at her campaign event.

The contest served as a gut check for Democrats over how best to confront Trump and win over swing voters.