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2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina

Updated: Wikipedia source

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. Primary elections will be held on March 3, 2026, with a runoff election on May 12 if no candidate gets at least 30% of the vote. The winner will succeed Republican incumbent Thom Tillis, who is not seeking re-election after two terms. Democrats have not won a Senate election in North Carolina since 2008.

Infobox

Party
Republican

Tables

· Republican primary › Fundraising
Candidate
Candidate
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Candidate
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Raised
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Spent
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Cash on hand
Don Brown (R)
Don Brown (R)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Don Brown (R)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$114,296
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$70,326
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$44,811
Michael Whatley (R)
Michael Whatley (R)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Michael Whatley (R)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$1,380,875
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$253,977
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$1,126,898
Source: Federal Election Commission
Source: Federal Election Commission
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Source: Federal Election Commission
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Candidate
Raised
Spent
Cash on hand
Don Brown (R)
$114,296
$70,326
$44,811
Michael Whatley (R)
$1,380,875
$253,977
$1,126,898
Source: Federal Election Commission
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Poll source
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Date(s)administered
November 13–15, 2024
Samplesize
800 (LV)
Marginof error
–
ThomTillis
42%
MarkRobinson
35%
Undecided
23%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
ThomTillis
MarkRobinson
Undecided
Campaign Viability Research (R)
November 13–15, 2024
800 (LV)
–
42%
35%
23%
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Poll source
Campaign Viability Research (R)
Date(s)administered
November 13–15, 2024
Samplesize
800 (LV)
Marginof error
–
ThomTillis
31%
SomeoneElse
36%
Undecided
33%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
ThomTillis
SomeoneElse
Undecided
Campaign Viability Research (R)
November 13–15, 2024
800 (LV)
–
31%
36%
33%
Victory Insights (R)
Victory Insights (R)
Poll source
Victory Insights (R)
Date(s)administered
November 26–29, 2024
Samplesize
800 (LV)
Marginof error
–
ThomTillis
11%
LaraTrump
65%
Undecided
25%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
ThomTillis
LaraTrump
Undecided
Victory Insights (R)
November 26–29, 2024
800 (LV)
–
11%
65%
25%
· Democratic primary › Fundraising
Candidate
Candidate
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Candidate
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Raised
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Spent
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Cash on hand
Roy Cooper (D)
Roy Cooper (D)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Roy Cooper (D)
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$10,924,824
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$2,366,369
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
$8,558,455
Source: Federal Election Commission
Source: Federal Election Commission
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Source: Federal Election Commission
Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025
Candidate
Raised
Spent
Cash on hand
Roy Cooper (D)
$10,924,824
$2,366,369
$8,558,455
Source: Federal Election Commission
· General election › Predictions
Tossup
Tossup
Source
Inside Elections
Ranking
Tossup
As of
August 12, 2025
Tossup
Tossup
Source
The Cook Political Report
Ranking
Tossup
As of
October 14, 2025
Tossup
Tossup
Source
Sabato's Crystal Ball
Ranking
Tossup
As of
August 12, 2025
Tilt D (flip)
Tilt D (flip)
Source
Race To The WH
Ranking
Tilt D (flip)
As of
September 4, 2025
Source
Ranking
As of
Inside Elections
Tossup
August 12, 2025
The Cook Political Report
Tossup
October 14, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball
Tossup
August 12, 2025
Race To The WH
Tilt D (flip)
September 4, 2025
· General election › Polling
Harper Polling (R)
Harper Polling (R)
Poll source
Harper Polling (R)
Date(s)administered
September 14–15, 2025
Samplesize
600 (RV)
Marginof error
± 4.0%
MichaelWhatley (R)
42%
RoyCooper (D)
46%
Other
4%
Undecided
8%
Change Research (D)
Change Research (D)
Poll source
Change Research (D)
Date(s)administered
September 2–8, 2025
Samplesize
855 (LV)
Marginof error
± 3.6%
MichaelWhatley (R)
41%
RoyCooper (D)
48%
Other
–
Undecided
11%
Harper Polling (R)
Harper Polling (R)
Poll source
Harper Polling (R)
Date(s)administered
August 11–12, 2025
Samplesize
600 (RV)
Marginof error
± 4.0%
MichaelWhatley (R)
39%
RoyCooper (D)
47%
Other
4%
Undecided
10%
Emerson College
Emerson College
Poll source
Emerson College
Date(s)administered
July 28–30, 2025
Samplesize
1,000 (RV)
Marginof error
± 3.0%
MichaelWhatley (R)
41%
RoyCooper (D)
47%
Other
–
Undecided
12%
Victory Insights (R)
Victory Insights (R)
Poll source
Victory Insights (R)
Date(s)administered
July 28–30, 2025
Samplesize
600 (LV)
Marginof error
–
MichaelWhatley (R)
40%
RoyCooper (D)
43%
Other
–
Undecided
16%
44%
44%
Poll source
44%
Date(s)administered
44%
Samplesize
–
Marginof error
12%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
MichaelWhatley (R)
RoyCooper (D)
Other
Undecided
Harper Polling (R)
September 14–15, 2025
600 (RV)
± 4.0%
42%
46%
4%
8%
Change Research (D)
September 2–8, 2025
855 (LV)
± 3.6%
41%
48%
–
11%
Harper Polling (R)
August 11–12, 2025
600 (RV)
± 4.0%
39%
47%
4%
10%
Emerson College
July 28–30, 2025
1,000 (RV)
± 3.0%
41%
47%
–
12%
Victory Insights (R)
July 28–30, 2025
600 (LV)
–
40%
43%
–
16%
44%
44%
–
12%
Change Research (D)
Change Research (D)
Poll source
Change Research (D)
Date(s)administered
March 31 – April 4, 2025
Samplesize
867 (LV)
Marginof error
± 3.6%
ThomTillis (R)
44%
RoyCooper (D)
46%
Other
–
Undecided
10%
45%
45%
Poll source
45%
Date(s)administered
48%
Samplesize
2%
Marginof error
5%
Public Policy Polling (D)
Public Policy Polling (D)
Poll source
Public Policy Polling (D)
Date(s)administered
March 4–5, 2025
Samplesize
662 (V)
Marginof error
± 3.8%
ThomTillis (R)
43%
RoyCooper (D)
47%
Other
–
Undecided
9%
Victory Insights (R)
Victory Insights (R)
Poll source
Victory Insights (R)
Date(s)administered
November 26–29, 2024
Samplesize
800 (LV)
Marginof error
–
ThomTillis (R)
44%
RoyCooper (D)
45%
Other
–
Undecided
11%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
ThomTillis (R)
RoyCooper (D)
Other
Undecided
Change Research (D)
March 31 – April 4, 2025
867 (LV)
± 3.6%
44%
46%
–
10%
45%
48%
2%
5%
Public Policy Polling (D)
March 4–5, 2025
662 (V)
± 3.8%
43%
47%
–
9%
Victory Insights (R)
November 26–29, 2024
800 (LV)
–
44%
45%
–
11%
Victory Insights (R)
Victory Insights (R)
Poll source
Victory Insights (R)
Date(s)administered
November 26–29, 2024
Samplesize
800 (LV)
Marginof error
–
LaraTrump (R)
44%
RoyCooper (D)
46%
Other
–
Undecided
10%
Poll source
Date(s)administered
Samplesize
Marginof error
LaraTrump (R)
RoyCooper (D)
Other
Undecided
Victory Insights (R)
November 26–29, 2024
800 (LV)
–
44%
46%
–
10%

References

  1. Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear
  2. "Someone else" with 4%
  3. With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  4. "Would not vote" with 2%
  5. Poll sponsored by The Carolina Journal
  6. Poll sponsored by Carolina Forward
  7. Politico
    https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/29/thom-tillis-retires-00432045
  8. North Carolina State Board of Elections
    https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/State_Board_Meeting_Docs/2020-11-24/Canvass/State%20Composite%20Abstract%20Report%20-%20Contest.pdf
  9. "NC - State_Composite_Abstract_Report-Contest.pdf"
    https://dl.ncsbe.gov/?prefix=State_Board_Meeting_Docs/2024-11-26/Canvass/
  10. State Board of Elections. General election results for Federal offices, 2024. North Carolina State Board of Elections. A
    https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/05/2024&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=0
  11. er.ncsbe.gov
    https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/05/2024&county_id=0&office=COS&contest=0
  12. "GOP Sen. Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in North Carolina after drawing Trump's ire"
    https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/gop-sen-thom-tillis-not-running-re-election-north-carolina-rcna215819
  13. "Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is censured by North Carolina GOP delegates at convention"
    https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/11/politics/thom-tillis-north-carolina-gop-censure/index.html
  14. "Trump nominations put NC's Thom Tillis, the nation's 'most vulnerable' Republican senator, in the spotlight"
    https://www.wral.com/story/trump-nominations-put-nc-s-thom-tillis-the-nation-s-most-vulnerable-republican-senator-in-the-spotlight/21724608/
  15. Politico
    https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/06/28/congress/donald-trump-threatens-thom-tillis-00431472
  16. NC Newsline
    https://ncnewsline.com/2025/03/22/thom-tillis-senate-reelection-bid-angry-voters-demand-town-hall/
  17. The Hill
    https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5426353-rnc-chair-michael-whatley-nc-senate/amp/
  18. "DUPRE, MARGOT FEC FORM 2 STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY FILING FEC-1917267"
    https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/S6NC00449/1917267/
  19. docquery.fec.gov
    https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/S2NC00547/1598734/
  20. "TEMPLE, ELIZABETH ANNE FEC FORM 1 STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION FILING FEC-1907197"
    https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00913905/1907197/
  21. Axios
    https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/08/scoop-former-carolina-hurricanes-president-considers-a-run-for-us-senate
  22. NC Newsline
    https://ncnewsline.com/2025/06/29/north-carolinas-u-s-senate-race-is-open-whos-running-whos-not-and-who-could-jump-in/
  23. Punchbowl News
    https://punchbowl.news/?p=107031
  24. Axios
    https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/thom-tillis-retire-senate-north-carolina
  25. Associated Press
    https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-candidate-nilsson-whatley-2b861edb7d7c2390461737438a36cb93
  26. WSOC
    https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/pat-harrigan-rules-out-us-senate-run/K6SMDW5PINCYXKEKYK6LLMIU6Y/
  27. Politico
    https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/01/congress/richard-hudson-north-carolina-senate-00436047
  28. The Daily Reflector
    https://www.reflector.com/news/local/murphy-wont-make-senate-run-affirms-2026-reelection-bid/article_cc2033c1-1873-4df2-b832-942a1035f784.html
  29. "Mark Robinson drops lawsuit against CNN, says political career may be over"
    https://www.wral.com/story/mark-robinson-drops-lawsuit-against-cnn-says-political-career-may-be-over/21836301/
  30. AInvest
    https://www.ainvest.com/news/north-carolina-senate-race-political-crossroads-healthcare-infrastructure-defense-investments-2506/
  31. Axios
    https://www.axios.com/2025/07/24/lara-trump-declines-north-carolina-senate-seat
  32. The Assembly NC
    https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/
  33. NC Newsline
    https://ncnewsline.com/2025/06/29/north-carolinas-u-s-senate-race-is-open-whos-running-whos-not-and-who-could-jump-in/
  34. The Assembly
    https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/whatley-republican-senate-north-carolina/
  35. National Review
    https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/senator-thom-tillis-will-kick-off-2026-reelection-campaign-this-week-with-fundraiser/
  36. "Featured"
    https://candidates.aipacpac.org/page/featured
  37. "2026 Election United States Senate – North Carolina"
    https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/senate/NC/2026/
  38. Campaign Viability Research
    https://files.campaign-research.com/CVR_0001.pdf
  39. Victory Insights
    https://irp.cdn-website.com/07e08705/files/uploaded/PollReport_NC-2026_12-2-24.pdf
  40. WTVD
    https://abc11.com/post/roy-cooper-us-senate-former-north-carolina-governor-announces-bid/17274141/
  41. WUNC
    https://www.wunc.org/politics/2025-08-20/orrick-quick-high-point-senate-candidate-enters-race
  42. "Statement of Candidacy"
    https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/S6NC00456/1923603/
  43. Politico
    https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/07/congress/don-davis-senate-00441092
  44. Politico
    https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/28/congress/davis-leans-against-senate-bid-00479740
  45. The Downballot
    https://www.the-downballot.com/i/162657810/nc-sen
  46. Inside Elections
    https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/north-carolina-senate-tillis-decision-creates-open-seat
  47. Associated Press
    https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-election-tillis-nickel-d9da6af3c46da5a96df6c7ba5ada3ae9
  48. "Former US Rep. Wiley Nickel jumps into Wake DA race to succeed Lorrin Freeman"
    https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article312128797.html
  49. WRAL-TV
    https://www.wral.com/story/as-roy-cooper-ramps-up-profile-jeff-jackson-makes-us-senate-decision/22079436/
  50. WTVD
    https://abc11.com/post/roy-cooper-senate-reactions-democrats-republicans-pour-former-nc-governor-announces-bid/17335385/
  51. WLOS
    https://wlos.com/news/local/story/former-governor-roy-cooper-senate-race-2026-democratic-party-canton-mayor-zeb-smathers-federal-election-president-donald-trump-white-house-republicans-north-carolina-politics-government
  52. Associated Press
    https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-roy-cooper-tillis-49e7b69b20db803f75a1893e1e890f18
  53. endcitizensunited.org
    https://www.endcitizensunited.org/ecu-endorsement-roy-cooper
  54. giffords.org
    https://giffords.org/press-release/2025/08/giffords-pac-endorses-governor-roy-cooper-for-u-s-senate-in-north-carolina/
  55. Jewish Democratic Council of America
    https://jewishdems.org/%F0%9F%9A%A8key-endorsements-for-2025-2026%F0%9F%9A%A8/
  56. League of Conservation Voters
    https://www.lcv.org/endorsements/
  57. Inside Elections
    https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate
  58. Cook Political Report
    https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings
  59. Sabato's Crystal Ball
    https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2026-senate/
  60. Race to the WH
    https://www.racetothewh.com/senate/26
  61. Carolina Journal
    https://www.carolinajournal.com/whatley-narrows-gap-with-cooper-in-new-cj-poll-of-us-senate-race/
  62. Carolina Forward
    https://carolinaforward.org/blog/the-september-carolina-forward-poll/
  63. Carolina Journal
    https://www.carolinajournal.com/polls/august-2025-cooper-shows-early-lead-on-whatley-in-us-senate-race/
  64. Emerson College Polling
    https://emersoncollegepolling.com/north-carolina-2026-poll-cooper-starts-us-senate-race-with-six-point-lead-and-clear-name-recognition-advantage-over-whatley
  65. Victory Insights
    https://irp.cdn-website.com/07e08705/files/uploaded/PollSummary_NC-US-Senate_07-31-2025.pdf
  66. Carolina Forward
    https://carolinaforward.org/blog/april-2025-poll/
  67. Public Policy Polling
    https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NorthCarolinaResults.pdf
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