The 2026 primary season kicks into gear tonight.We’ll get our first real test of candidate strength, turnout, and just how restless each party’s base really is.North Carolina: Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET.Candidates must receive at least 30% of the vote to avoid a runoff. The second-place finisher must formally request one. If triggered, a runoff will take place on May 12.Texas:The first polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET in the Central time zone — covering about 97% of the state’s population. Polls close in the El Paso area (Mountain time zone) one hour later.If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held on May 26.Arkansas:Polls close at 8:30 p.m. ET.If no candidate earns a majority, a runoff will be held on March 31.Leave your reactions in the comments as the results roll in.