2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina

The 2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of North Carolina. Incumbent two-term Republican Senator Thom Tillis was re-elected with 48.7% of the vote in 2020. On June 10, 2023, the North Carolina Republican Party censured Tillis over his support of gun control and same-sex marriage.

Republicans have won every U.S. Senate election in North Carolina since 2010.

Background

A typical swing state, North Carolina is considered to be a purple to slightly red southern state at the federal level. It was also a top battleground state in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. The state backed the Republican candidate in both elections by 1.3% and 3.2%, respectively.

Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years. Republicans control both chambers of the North Carolina Legislature and hold a supermajority in North Carolina's U.S. House delegation, as well as both of the state's senate seats. However, Democrats have seen success in statewide races, including in 2024, where they won half of the state's executive offices.

As one of only two seats up held by a Republican in a state that did not vote for Trump by double digits in 2024, North Carolina is considered a key Senate battleground in 2026.

Republican primary

Senator Thom Tillis is considered vulnerable to a primary challenger from his right. On June 10, 2023, the North Carolina Republican Party voted to censure Tillis for his support for the Respect for Marriage Act and immigration reform attempts.

Candidates

Declared

Don Brown, attorney, author, and candidate for North Carolina's 8th congressional district in 2024
Andy Nilsson, teacher's assistant
Thom Tillis, incumbent U.S. Senator (2015–present)

Publicly expressed interest

Michele Morrow, nurse and nominee for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2024

Potential

Lara Trump, former co-chair of the Republican National Committee (2024–2025) and daughter-in-law of president Donald Trump

Declined

Mark Robinson, former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina (2021–2025) and nominee for governor in 2024

Endorsements

Polling

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Wiley Nickel, former U.S. Representative from North Carolina's 13th congressional district (2023–2025) (will withdraw if Cooper runs)

Publicly expressed interest

Roy Cooper, former Governor of North Carolina (2017–2025)

Potential

Jeff Jackson, North Carolina Attorney General (2025–present) and former U.S. Representative from North Carolina's 14th congressional district (2023–2024)