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2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina

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2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina
← 2020
November 3, 2026
2032 →
 
Nominee Michael Whatley Roy Cooper
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent U.S. senator

Thom Tillis
Republican


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. Republican former party chair Michael Whatley and Democratic former governor Roy Cooper are the nominees for their respective parties. Republican incumbent Thom Tillis is not seeking a third term.

Considered vulnerable to a primary challenge due to his moderate positions, Tillis announced he would run for re-election, but withdrew after voting against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Whatley, who emerged as the Republican frontrunner after being endorsed by President Donald Trump, won the nomination with 64.6% of the vote over author Don Brown. Cooper won the Democratic nomination with 92% of the vote, facing minimal opposition.

Democrats have not won a Senate election in North Carolina since 2008.

Background

[edit]

A 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 Donald Trump in both elections by 1.3%[1] and 3.2%,[2] respectively.

Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years. Republicans control both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly and hold a majority in North Carolina's U.S. House delegation,[3] as well as both of the state's U.S. Senate seats. In 2024, Democrats won half of the state's executive offices, flipping a net of one seat from Republicans.[4]

As an open seat in a swing state, North Carolina is considered a top battleground in deciding control of the Senate in 2026.[5]

Republican primary

[edit]

Senator Thom Tillis was 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.[6][7] On June 28, 2025, President Donald Trump stated he was considering backing a primary challenger after Tillis voted against a motion to consider the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.[8] The following day, Tillis announced that he would not seek re-election.[9]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Eliminated in primary

[edit]

Withdrawn

[edit]
  • Brooks Agnew, author[16]
  • Andy Nilsson, retired business owner and high school football coach[17]
  • Thom Tillis, incumbent U.S. senator (2015–present)[9]

Disqualified

[edit]
  • Margot Dupre, real estate broker[15][18][a]
  • Lichia Sibhatu, daycare owner and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[19]

Declined

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Don Brown
Executive branch officials
U.S. representatives
Statewide officials
Individuals
Michael Whatley
Executive branch officials
U.S senators
Party officials
Organizations
Newspapers
Thom Tillis (withdrawn)
U.S. senators
Organizations

Fundraising

[edit]
Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Don Brown (R) $224,689 $225,530 $0
Richard Dansie (R) $2,410 $1,780 $630
Thomas Johnson (R) $6,720 $4,627 $0
Michele Morrow (R) $12,714 $12,036 $678
Michael Whatley (R) $8,410,252 $5,881,909 $2,528,343
Source: Federal Election Commission[38]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Don
Brown		 Michele
Morrow		 Michael
Whatley		 Other Undecided
Harper Polling (R)[39][A] February 22–23, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 8% 2% 38% 3%[c] 50%
High Point University[40] February 6–20, 2026 — (LV) ± 6.0% 12% 2% 38% 13%[d] 35%
Change Research (D)[41][42][B] January 5–7, 2026 530 (LV) — 6% 4% 36% 3%[e] 51%
Hypothetical polling

Thom Tillis vs. Mark Robinson

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Thom
Tillis		 Mark
Robinson		 Undecided
Campaign Viability Research (R)[43] November 13–15, 2024 800 (LV) — 42% 35% 23%

Thom Tillis vs. "Someone Else"

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Thom
Tillis		 Someone
Else		 Undecided
Campaign Viability Research (R)[43] November 13–15, 2024 800 (LV) — 31% 36% 33%

Thom Tillis vs. Lara Trump

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Thom
Tillis		 Lara
Trump		 Undecided
Victory Insights (R)[44] November 26–29, 2024 800 (LV) — 11% 65% 25%

Results

[edit]
Results by county
  Whatley
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
Results by precinct
  Whatley
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Brown
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   >90%
  Johnson
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   >90%
  Morrow
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  Temple
  •   40–50%
  •   >90%
Republican primary results[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Michael Whatley 405,140 64.6
Republican Don Brown 97,891 15.6
Republican Thomas Johnson 35,534 5.7
Republican Michele Morrow 35,065 5.6
Republican Elizabeth Temple 23,892 3.8
Republican Richard Dansie 14,996 2.4
Republican Margot Dupre (disqualified) 14,886 2.4
Total votes 627,404 100.0

Democratic primary

[edit]
Wiley Nickel endorsing Roy Cooper for Senate

In 2025, Roy Cooper announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat in the 2026 election. Shortly after his announcement, former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel, who had previously entered the race, withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Cooper for the Democratic nomination.[46] Nickel cited Cooper's executive experience and electoral strength as reasons for his endorsement.[47]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Eliminated in primary

[edit]

Withdrawn

[edit]

Disqualified

[edit]
  • Alyssia Hammond, hospitality worker and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[56]

Declined

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]

Fundraising

[edit]
Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Roy Cooper (D) $26,822,373 $8,366,910 $18,455,463
Marcus Williams (D) $5,656 $5,656 $0
Source: Federal Election Commission[38]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Robert
Colon		 Roy
Cooper		 Justin
Dues		 Daryl
Farrow		 Marcus
Williams		 Other Undecided
High Point University[40] February 6–20, 2026 — (LV) ± 6.0% 3% 78% 3% 2% 2% 0%[f] 14%

Results

[edit]
Results by county
  Cooper
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Results by precinct
  Cooper
  •   30–40%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Farrow
  •   50–60%
Democratic primary results[73]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Roy Cooper 761,345 92.0
Democratic Justin Dues 22,295 2.7
Democratic Marcus Williams 20,336 2.5
Democratic Daryl Farrow 9,727 1.2
Democratic Orrick Quick 7,275 0.9
Democratic Robert Colon 6,777 0.8
Total votes 827,755 100.0

Libertarian primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]
  • Shannon Bray, cybersecurity professional and perennial candidate[74]

Green primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Disqualified

[edit]

Fundraising

[edit]
Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Michael Dublin (G) $23,377 $4,245 $20,873
Source: Federal Election Commission[38]

Independents

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Disqualified

[edit]
  • Lee Brian[77]
  • Shaunesi DeBerry, social media personality[78]
  • Yuhong Dong[79]
  • Travis Herlocker[80]
  • Connie Johnson, pastor and perennial candidate (Democratic Party of Federalists)[81]
  • Michele Palmer Parks[82] (write-in)
  • Geoffrey Shull[83]

General election

[edit]

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
CBS News[84] Lean D (flip) September 13, 2026
The Cook Political Report[85] Lean D (flip) September 15, 2026
Decision Desk HQ[86] Likely D (flip) September 18, 2026
The Economist[87][g] Likely D (flip) September 18, 2026
FiftyPlusOne[88] Likely D (flip) September 19, 2026
Fox News[89] Lean D (flip) August 18, 2026
Inside Elections[90] Tilt D (flip) September 17, 2026
RealClearPolitics[91] Lean D (flip) September 18, 2026
Sabato's Crystal Ball[92] Lean D (flip) August 26, 2026
Silver Bulletin[93] Likely D (flip) September 19, 2026
Split Ticket[94] Likely D (flip) September 20, 2026

Post-primary endorsements

[edit]
Michael Whatley (R)
Executive branch officials
Labor unions
Roy Cooper (D)
Statewide officials
Labor unions
Organizations

Fundraising

[edit]
Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Roy Cooper (D) $34,975,789 $14,258,222 $20,717,567
Michael Whatley (R) $11,272,504 $7,810,806 $3,461,698
Michael Dublin (G) $25,276 $16,990 $10,027
Shannon Bray (L) $0 $0 $0
Source: Federal Election Commission[103]

Polling

[edit]

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation		 Dates
administered		 Dates
updated		 Michael
Whatley (R)		 Roy
Cooper (D)		 Other/Undecided[h] Margin
270toWin[104] September 17 – 24, 2026 September 24, 2026 40.6% 49.6% 9.8% Cooper +9.0%
Decision Desk HQ[105] through September 22, 2026 September 24, 2026 40.5% 49.1% 10.4% Cooper +8.6%
FiftyPlusOne[106] through September 22, 2026 September 24, 2026 41.0% 50.6% 8.4% Cooper +9.6%
Race to the WH[107] through September 22, 2026 September 24, 2026 40.7% 49.3% 10.0% Cooper +8.6%
RealClearPolitics[108] August 31 – September 22, 2026 September 24, 2026 41.3% 49.7% 9.0% Cooper +8.4%
Silver Bulletin[93] through September 22, 2026 September 24, 2026 41.7% 50.7% 7.6% Cooper +9.0%
Average 41.0% 49.8% 9.2% Cooper +8.8%
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Michael
Whatley (R)		 Roy
Cooper (D)		 Other Undecided
Quantus Insights (R)[109] September 21–22, 2026 686 (LV) ± 4.2% 43% 48% 5%[i] 4%
YouGov[110] September 15–18, 2026 3,864 (RV) ± 2.5% 41% 52% 2%[j] 5%
3,742 (LV)[k] ± 2.6% 41% 53% 1%[l] 4%
3,511 (LV)[m] ± 2.6% 41% 54% 1%[n] 4%
InsiderAdvantage (R)[111] September 16–17, 2026 1,200 (LV) ± 4.0% 43% 48% 3%[o] 6%
High Point University[112] September 9–16, 2026 813 (RV) ± 3.8% 39% 49% 4%[p] 8%
706 (LV) ± 3.9% 42% 50% 3%[q] 5%
Harper Polling (R)[113][A] September 13–15, 2026 608 (LV) ± 4.0% 34% 49% 5%[r] 12%
The Trafalgar Group (R)[114] September 8–10, 2026 1,084 (LV) ± 2.9% 42% 48% 3%[s] 7%
East Carolina University[115] August 31 – September 3, 2026 675 (LV) ± 4.4% 39% 46% 3%[t] 14%
44%[u] 52% 5%[v] –
Elon University/YouGov[116] August 21–31, 2026 565 (LV) ± 5.6% 38% 49% 4%[w] 8%
677 (RV) ± 5.1% 36% 49% 5%[x] 11%
800 (A) ± 5.1% 29% 39% 20%[y] 12%
High Point University/YouGov[117] August 3–12, 2026 800 (RV) ± 4.2% 41% 48% 4%[z] 8%
660 (LV) ± 3.8% 45% 50% 3%[aa] 3%
Harper Polling (R)[118][A] August 9–10, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 39% 52% 5%[ab] 5%
Change Research (D)[119][B] August 3–6, 2026 915 (LV) ± 3.5% 43% 50% — 7%
Change Research (D)[120] July 29 – August 1, 2026 967 (V) ± 3.4% 41% 50% — 9%
Elon University/YouGov[121] July 23–31, 2026 466 (LV) ± 5.6% 42% 53% 3%[ac] 2%
717 (RV) ± 4.4% 35% 51% 7%[ad] 7%
800 (A) ± 4.2% 33% 47% 11%[ae] 9%
Beacon Research (D)/
Shaw & Co. Research (R)[122][C]		 July 23–27, 2026 1,005 (RV) ± 3.0% 44% 53% — 3%
Public Policy Polling (D)[123] July 10–11, 2026 759 (LV) ± 3.6% 44% 48% — 8%
New York Times/Siena University[124] June 15–27, 2026 601 (LV) ± 4.7% 43% 50% — 6%
Catawba College/YouGov[125] June 1–10, 2026 905 (LV) ± 3.8% 34% 48% — 18%
Harper Polling (R)[126] May 10–11, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 39% 50% — 11%
Change Research (D)[127][B] May 4–8, 2026 957 (LV) ± 3.3% 42% 49% — 9%
Opinion Diagnostics (R)[128] April 21–24, 2026 830 (V) ± 3.5% 41% 50% — 9%
High Point University/YouGov[129] March 26 – April 6, 2026 703 (LV) ± 4.3% 42% 50% 2%[af] 6%
800 (RV) ± 4.1% 39% 49% 3%[ag] 9%
Quantus Insights (R)[130] March 31 – April 1, 2026 987 (LV) ± 3.5% 44% 49% 2% 6%
Harper Polling (R)[131][A] March 22–23, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 41% 49% 4%[z] 6%
Catawba College/YouGov[132] March 9–18, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.6% 34% 48% 4%[ah] 14%
Public Policy Polling (D)[133] March 13–14, 2026 556 (V) ± 4.2% 44% 47% — 9%
Nexus Strategies/
Strategic Partners Solutions[134][D]		 March 8–9, 2026 800 (RV) ± 3.5% 32% 50% 4%[ai] 14%
March 3, 2026 Primary elections
Change Research (D)[135] January 31–February 4, 2026 1,069 (RV) ± 3.1% 40% 50% 4%[aj] 7%
TIPP Insights (R)[136][E] January 12–15, 2026 1,512 (RV) ± 2.7% 24% 48% — 27%
Change Research (D)[41][B] January 5–7, 2026 1,105 (LV) ± 3.5% 42% 47% 1%[ak] 9%
Harper Polling (R)[137][A] November 9–10, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 39% 47% 4%[z] 10%
Harper Polling (R)[138][A] September 14–15, 2025 600 (RV) ± 4.0% 42% 46% 4%[z] 8%
Change Research (D)[139][B] September 2–8, 2025 855 (LV) ± 3.6% 41% 48% — 11%
Harper Polling (R)[140][A] August 11–12, 2025 600 (RV) ± 4.0% 39% 47% 4%[z] 10%
Emerson College[141] July 28–30, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3.0% 41% 47% — 12%
Victory Insights (R)[142] July 28–30, 2025 600 (LV) — 40% 43% — 16%
44%[al] 44% — 12%
Hypothetical polling

Don Brown vs. Roy Cooper

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Don
Brown (R)		 Roy
Cooper (D)		 Other Undecided
Harper Polling (R)[137][A] November 9–10, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 38% 48% 4%[z] 10%

Thom Tillis vs. Roy Cooper

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Thom
Tillis (R)		 Roy
Cooper (D)		 Other Undecided
Change Research (D)[143][B] March 31–April 4, 2025 867 (LV) ± 3.6% 44% 46% — 10%
45%[al] 48% 2%[am] 5%
Public Policy Polling (D)[144] March 4–5, 2025 662 (V) ± 3.8% 43% 47% — 9%
Victory Insights (R)[44] November 26–29, 2024 800 (LV) — 44% 45% — 11%

Lara Trump vs. Roy Cooper

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[b]		 Margin
of error		 Lara
Trump (R)		 Roy
Cooper (D)		 Other Undecided
Victory Insights (R)[44] November 26–29, 2024 800 (LV) — 44% 46% — 10%

Results

[edit]
2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Michael Whatley
Democratic Roy Cooper
Libertarian Shannon W. Bray
Green Michael Dublin N/A
Write-in
Total votes 100.0%

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ Dupre still appeared on the primary ballot.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  3. ↑ Dupre, Johnson, and Temple with 1%; Dansie with <1%
  4. ↑ Dansie with 5%; Dupre and Temple with 3%; Johnson with 2%
  5. ↑ "Would not vote" with 3%
  6. ↑ Orrick Quick with 0%
  7. ↑ The Economist's prediction model uses unconventional terminology. For the purpose of equivalency, their "Very Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Likely" rating while "Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Lean" rating.
  8. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  9. ↑ "Would not vote" with 3%; "A minor candidate or someone else" with 2%
  10. ↑ "Someone else" & "I will not vote in this race" with 1%
  11. ↑ Loose likely voters.
  12. ↑ "Someone else" with 1%
  13. ↑ Strict likely voters.
  14. ↑ "Someone else" with 1%
  15. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 2%; Michael Dublin (G) with 1%
  16. ↑ "Another candidate" with 4%
  17. ↑ "Another candidate" with 1%
  18. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 3%; Michael Dublin (G) with 2%
  19. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 1%; Michael Dublin (G) with 1%
  20. ↑ Shannon Bray (L), Michael Dublin (G), and write-in with 1%
  21. ↑ On a forced-choice measure without an undecided option
  22. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 3%; Michael Dublin (G) and write-in with 1%
  23. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 2%; Michael Dublin (G) with 2%
  24. ↑ "Do not plan to vote" and Michael Dublin (G) with 2%; Shannon Bray (L) with 1%
  25. ↑ "Do not plan to vote" with 17%; Shannon Bray (L) with 2%; Michael Dublin (G) with 1%
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Someone else" with 4%
  27. ↑ "Someone else" with 3%
  28. ↑ "Someone else" with 5%
  29. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 2%; Michael Dublin (G) with 1%
  30. ↑ "Do not plan to vote" with 3%; Michael Dublin (G) with 2%; Shannon Bray (L) and "Someone else" with 1%
  31. ↑ "Do not plan to vote" with 8%; Shannon Bray (L) with 2%; Michael Dublin (G) and "Someone else" with 1%
  32. ↑ "Someone else/another party" with 2%
  33. ↑ "Someone else/another party" with 3%
  34. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 4%; "Other candidate" with 0%
  35. ↑ Shannon Bray (L) with 4%.
  36. ↑ "Would not vote" with 4%
  37. ↑ "Would not vote" with 1%
  38. 1 2 With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  39. ↑ "Would not vote" with 2%

Partisan clients

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Poll sponsored by The Carolina Journal
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Poll sponsored by Carolina Forward
  3. ↑ Poll conducted for Fox News
  4. ↑ Poll sponsored by Healthier United
  5. ↑ Poll sponsored by the League of American Workers

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "November 03, 2020 General Election Results by Contest" (PDF). North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  2. ↑ "NC - State_Composite_Abstract_Report-Contest.pdf". November 26, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  3. ↑ State Board of Elections. General election results for Federal offices, 2024. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Archived at Web Archive.
  4. ↑ "NC SBE Contest Results". er.ncsbe.gov.
  5. ↑ "GOP Sen. Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in North Carolina after drawing Trump's ire". NBC News. June 29, 2025. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  6. ↑ Berryman, Kim; Pellish, Aaron (June 11, 2023). "Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is censured by North Carolina GOP delegates at convention". CNN.
  7. ↑ Specht, Paul; Doran, Will (November 17, 2024). "Trump nominations put NC's Thom Tillis, the nation's 'most vulnerable' Republican senator, in the spotlight". WRAL-TV. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  8. ↑ Jacobs, Ben (June 29, 2025). "Trump threatens Tillis with primary challenge". Politico. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  9. 1 2 Carney, Jordain (June 29, 2025). "Thom Tillis says he will retire following Trump attacks". Politico. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  10. ↑ Gans, Jared (July 31, 2025). "Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley launches North Carolina Senate bid". The Hill. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  11. ↑ Kingdollar, Brandon (March 22, 2025). "Angry voters demand an audience in Raleigh as Thom Tillis kicks off Senate reelection bid". NC Newsline. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  12. ↑ "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  13. ↑ "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  14. ↑ Ingram, Kyle (December 18, 2025). "Far-right activist Michele Morrow enters NC's GOP primary for Senate vs. Whatley". The News & Observer. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
  15. 1 2 "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Championing Freedom for North Carolina". June 18, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2026. After long deliberation with my campaign team, I have decided to withdraw from the 2026 race.
  17. ↑ Robertson, Gary (August 9, 2025). "Andy Nilsson ends North Carolina Senate bid after Trump backs Michael Whatley". Associated Press. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  18. ↑ WRAL: Votes for Republican US Senate candidate won't count in 2026 primary, NC elections board rules
  19. ↑ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1598734". docquery.fec.gov.
  20. ↑ "Pat Harrigan rules out a U.S. Senate run". WSOC. July 26, 2025. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  21. ↑ Pellish, Aaron (July 1, 2025). "Hudson rules out bid to replace Tillis". Politico. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Murphy won't make Senate run, affirms 2026 reelection bid". The Daily Reflector. July 18, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  23. ↑ Doran, Will (January 31, 2025). "Mark Robinson drops lawsuit against CNN, says political career may be over". WRAL-TV. Retrieved January 31, 2025. Robinson said Friday he wouldn't run for Senate or any other office in 2026
  24. ↑ Grant, Eli (June 30, 2025). "The North Carolina Senate Race: A Political Crossroads for Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Defense Investments". AInvest. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  25. ↑ Walker, Josephine (July 24, 2025). "Lara Trump won't run for North Carolina senate seat". Axios. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  26. 1 2 Roarty, Reese Gorman, Ursula Perano, Alex (July 25, 2025). "Trump and GOP Leaders Line Up Behind Michael Whatley for N.C. Senate Seat". The Assembly NC.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ↑ Bacharier, Galen (June 29, 2025). "North Carolina's U.S. Senate race is open. Who's running, who's not and who could jump in". NC Newsline. Retrieved June 30, 2025. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker...took himself out of the running Sunday evening, saying he was 'solely focused' on his nomination process to be ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom
  28. 1 2 "LTC Allen West, Former US Congressman, Endorses Don Brown for U.S. Senate in North Carolina". Asheville Tea Party. December 2, 2025. Archived from the original on December 13, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  29. 1 2 3 Wagner, Adam (February 24, 2026). "In North Carolina's U.S. Senate GOP primary, contenders try to topple Trump-endorsed candidate". WUNC. Archived from the original on February 24, 2026. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  30. 1 2 3 Robertson, Gary D.; Verduzco, Erik; Beaumont, Thomas (July 31, 2025). "Michael Whatley, RNC chairman endorsed by Trump, launches Senate bid in North Carolina". Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 9, 2026. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  31. ↑ "2026 Endorsements". AFP Action. Archived from the original on July 3, 2026. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  32. ↑ Gorman, Reese; Perano, Ursula; Roarty, Alex (July 25, 2025). "Trump and GOP Leaders Line Up Behind Michael Whatley for N.C. Senate Seat". The Assembly. Archived from the original on March 9, 2026. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  33. ↑ Gray, Kate (October 9, 2025). "Republican National Committee backs Michael Whatley for Senate ahead of primary". Elon News Network. Archived from the original on December 6, 2025. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  34. ↑ "2026 Endorsements". Turning Point Action. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  35. 1 2 Editorial Board (February 18, 2026). "US Senate endorsement: For NC voters in GOP primary, who can hold off Cooper". Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on March 14, 2026. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Fahlberg, Audrey (December 9, 2024). "Senator Thom Tillis Will Kick Off 2026 Reelection Campaign This Week with Fundraiser". National Review. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Featured". AIPAC. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  38. 1 2 3 "2026 Election United States Senate – North Carolina". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Survey of Likely 2026 Republican Primary Voters" (PDF). The Carolina Journal. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  40. 1 2 "High Point University Poll 119: Memo Release" (PDF). High Point University. February 2026. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  41. 1 2 "The January Carolina Forward Poll". Carolina Forward. January 10, 2026. Archived from the original on May 10, 2026. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  42. ↑ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (January 22, 2026). "Morning Digest: Minnesota GOP recruits an upgrade for Senate but still faces a daunting race". The Downballot. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  43. 1 2 "Hypothetical Robinson-Tillis 2026 Matchup: A Dogfight Waiting To Happen" (PDF). Campaign Viability Research. November 25, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  44. 1 2 3 "North Carolina Poll: Lara Trump, Thom Tillis, or Roy Cooper for Us Senate in 2026?" (PDF). Victory Insights. December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  45. ↑ "03/03/2026 OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE".
  46. ↑ Robertson, Gary D. (July 29, 2025). "Former Congressman Wiley Nickel drops out of 2026 Senate race, endorses Roy Cooper". Associated Press.
  47. ↑ "Wiley Nickel exits North Carolina Senate race the day after Roy Cooper announces candidacy". Associated Press. July 29, 2025.
  48. 1 2 Haggard, DeJuan (July 28, 2025). "Roy Cooper, former NC Governor announces he is running for Senate in 2026". WTVD. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  49. ↑ "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
  50. ↑ Bacharier, Galen (December 1, 2025). "NC candidates for Supreme Court, Court of Appeals file". NC Newsline. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  51. ↑ "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  52. ↑ Campbell, Colin (August 20, 2025). "New U.S. Senate candidate enters race, with help from consultant to GOP candidates". WUNC. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  53. ↑ Doran, Will (December 16, 2025). "Cooper says he'd support banning stock trades for top federal officials". WRAL-TV. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  54. 1 2 Robertson, Gary (July 29, 2025). "Wiley Nickel exits North Carolina Senate race the day after Roy Cooper announces candidacy". Associated Press. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  55. ↑ Shaffer, Josh (September 16, 2025). "Former US Rep. Wiley Nickel jumps into Wake DA race to succeed Lorrin Freeman". Raleigh News & Observer. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  56. ↑ "FEC Form 2 for Report S6NC00514". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  57. ↑ Altimari, Daniela (December 1, 2025). "North Carolina Rep. Don Davis will run for reelection from his redrawn district". Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  58. 1 2 Doran, Will (July 8, 2025). "As Roy Cooper ramps up profile, Jeff Jackson makes US Senate decision". WRAL-TV. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  59. 1 2 3 4 "Reactions from both sides pour in after Roy Cooper announces he is running for Senate". WTVD. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  60. 1 2 Robertson, Gary (July 28, 2025). "Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the US Senate in North Carolina in 2026". Associated Press.
  61. ↑ Berger, Justin (July 28, 2025). "Former Gov. Roy Cooper enters Senate race, boosts Democrats' federal election hopes". WLOS. Archived from the original on October 10, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  62. ↑ "Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Roy Cooper for Election to the U.S. Senate". AFGE. February 27, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  63. 1 2 "NCAE, NEA Endorse Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate". NCAE Communications. February 27, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  64. ↑ Rod, Marc (November 20, 2025). "DMFI backs Haley Stevens, Angie Craig as they face primaries from the anti-Israel left". Jewish Insider. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  65. ↑ "End Citizens United Endorses Former Gov. Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate". endcitizensunited.org. August 7, 2025. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  66. ↑ "GIFFORDS PAC endorses Governor Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate in North Carolina". giffords.org. August 22, 2025. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  67. ↑ "🚨Key Endorsements for 2025 & 2026🚨". Jewish Democratic Council of America. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
  68. ↑ "2025-2026 Endorsements". League of Conservation Voters. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  69. ↑ "Planned Parenthood Action Fund rolls out first Senate endorsements ahead of November midterms". Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  70. ↑ "2026 Primary Elections". Red Wine & Blue. February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  71. ↑ Santaliz, Kate (December 9, 2025). "Abortion rights group backs Janet Mills and others in first 2026 Senate endorsements". Axios. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  72. ↑ "2026 Endorsements". Sierra Club Independent Action.
  73. ↑ "03/03/2026 OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE".
  74. ↑ "2026 Primary Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  75. ↑ "2026 General Election State Candidates List". ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists. North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  76. ↑ Pequeño, Antonio (March 5, 2026). "Marine Veteran Charged After Removal From Senate Committee Hearing: 'No One Wants To Fight For Israel'". Forbes. Retrieved March 6, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  77. ↑ "North Carolina Board of Elections Petition Search".
  78. ↑ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1898331". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  79. ↑ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1536309". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  80. ↑ "North Carolina Board of Elections Petition Search".
  81. ↑ "FEC Form 2". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  82. ↑ "North Carolina Board of Elections Petition Search".
  83. ↑ "North Carolina Board of Elections Petition Search".
  84. ↑ Hubbard, Kaia; Linton, Caroline; Yilek, Caitlin; Walsh, Joe (September 13, 2026). "2026 midterm election races to watch". CBS News. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
  85. ↑ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  86. ↑ "2026 Senate Ratings". Decision Desk HQ. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  87. ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". The Economist. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  88. ↑ "2026 Congressional Forecast". FiftyPlusOne. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  89. ↑ Numa, Rémy (August 18, 2026). "Fox News Power Rankings: As Democrats turn left, Black voters tap the brakes". Fox News. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  90. ↑ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  91. ↑ "Battle for the Senate 2026". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  92. ↑ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 19, 2026.
  93. 1 2 Silver, Nate; McKown-Dawson, Eli (September 19, 2026) [August 11, 2026]. "FLIPR 2026 midterm election forecast". Silver Bulletin. Archived from the original on September 20, 2026. Retrieved September 20, 2026 – via Substack.
  94. ↑ "Split Ticket 2026 Midterms Model". The Argument. Retrieved September 19, 2026 – via Substack.
  95. ↑ Vaughan, Dawn Baumgartner (March 5, 2026). "Vice President JD Vance visits Rocky Mount as Republicans try to flip NC seat". The News & Observer. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  96. ↑ Dillon, A.P. (July 10, 2026). "Whatley receives unanimous endorsement from Police Benevolent Association". North State Journal. Archived from the original on July 14, 2026. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  97. ↑ "Governor of Maryland supports Roy Cooper's US Senate campaign". WSOC-TV. May 18, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  98. ↑ O'Neill, Nora (September 2, 2026). "Why is California Gov. Gavin Newsom back campaigning in the Carolinas this weekend?". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved September 2, 2026.
  99. ↑ Sprinkle, Jeremy (July 24, 2026). "Why We're Backing Roy Cooper for US Senate". NC State AFL-CIO. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  100. ↑ "Roy Cooper". J Street PAC. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  101. ↑ "MoveOn Endorses | Roy Cooper". MoveOn. March 3, 2026. Retrieved August 17, 2026.
  102. ↑ Richtman, Max (May 4, 2026). "Former NC Governor Cooper Picks Up Endorsement From Major Seniors Group". National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  103. ↑ "2026 Election United States Senate - North Carolina". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  104. ↑ "2026 Polls: North Carolina Senate". 270toWin. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  105. ↑ "2026 North Carolina Senate Polling". Decision Desk HQ. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
  106. ↑ "FiftyPlusOne - North Carolina General Senate Election Polls and Average for the 2026 General Election". fiftyplusone.news. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
  107. ↑ "2026 North Carolina Senate Predictions and Polling". Race to the White House. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
  108. ↑ "2026 North Carolina Senate - Whatley vs. Cooper". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  109. ↑ "Roy Cooper Leads Michael Whatley by Five in North Carolina". September 23, 2026. Retrieved September 23, 2026.
  110. ↑ "North Carolina General Election 2026". YouGov. September 23, 2026. Retrieved September 23, 2026.
  111. ↑ "NC Top Line Tabs". September 18, 2026. Retrieved September 18, 2026.
  112. ↑ "HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY POLL 127: MEMO RELEASE" (PDF). High Point University. September 24, 2026. Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  113. ↑ "CJ poll: Cooper leads Whatley by 15 as Republican voters drift to undecided". Harper Polling. September 17, 2026. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
  114. ↑ "North Carolina Presidential Survey" (PDF). September 11, 2026. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
  115. ↑ "ECU Poll: Cooper Leads Whatley by 7 points". reportablenews.com. September 10, 2026. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
  116. ↑ Husser, Jason (September 10, 2026). "Survey of North Carolina Adults — August 21–31, 2026" (PDF). Elon University. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  117. ↑ "High Point University Poll 126: Memo Release" (PDF). High Point University. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
  118. ↑ "Likely 2026 General Election Voters – North Carolina Statewide" (PDF). Harper Polling. August 13, 2026. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  119. ↑ "The August 2026 Carolina Forward Poll". Carolina Forward. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  120. ↑ Pearce, Gary (August 6, 2026). "Cooper Up by 9; Trump Still Slumps". Substack. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  121. ↑ Husser, Jason (August 12, 2026). "Survey of North Carolina Adults — July 23–31, 2026" (PDF). Elon University. Retrieved August 12, 2026.
  122. ↑ Blanton, Dana (July 29, 2026). "Fox News Poll: Democratic enthusiasm shapes North Carolina Senate race". Fox News. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  123. ↑ "Cooper leads, but Whatley has a path". Public Policy Polling. July 13, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  124. ↑ "Control of the Senate Is Up for Grabs, Times/Siena Polls Find". The New York Times. July 1, 2026. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
  125. ↑ "Catawba College-YouGov Survey: Cooper Leads Whatley by 14 Points as Trump Remains Underwater in North Carolina". Catawba College. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  126. ↑ "Survey of Likely 2026 General Election Voters" (PDF). Harper Polling. May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  127. ↑ "The May 2026 Carolina Forward Poll". Carolina Forward. May 18, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  128. ↑ Wooten, Alan (April 29, 2026). "Election 2026: Cooper leads Whatley by 9 points in new poll". The Center Square. Retrieved April 29, 2026.
  129. ↑ "High Point University Poll 120: Memo Release" (PDF). High Point University. April 16, 2026. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  130. ↑ "North Carolina 2026: Democrats Hold Early Edge". Quantus Insights. April 2, 2026. Retrieved April 8, 2026.
  131. ↑ Bass, David N. (September 18, 2025). "March 2026 — Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley in Senate Race by nearly 8 points". Carolina Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  132. ↑ "Trump Approval Drops as North Carolinians Oppose Iran Escalation; Cooper Leads Senate Race". Catawba College. March 31, 2026. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  133. ↑ "North Carolina Is Always Close". Public Policy Polling. March 16, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  134. ↑ Bass, David N. (March 27, 2026). "Poll: Cooper holds wide early lead over Whatley in NC Senate race". Carolina Journal. Archived from the original on March 28, 2026. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  135. ↑ "NC Statewide Toplines". Change Research. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Google Docs.
  136. ↑ "League of American Workers Survey — North Carolina". TIPP Insights. January 19, 2026. Archived from the original on February 10, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
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  139. ↑ Whilden, Rebekah. "The September Carolina Forward Poll". Carolina Forward. Archived from the original on March 5, 2026. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  140. ↑ "August 2025 – Cooper shows early lead on Whatley in US Senate Race". Carolina Journal. August 14, 2025. Archived from the original on November 13, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  141. ↑ "North Carolina 2026 Poll: Cooper Starts US Senate Race with Six-Point Lead and Clear Name Recognition Advantage over Whatley". Emerson College Polling. August 1, 2025. Archived from the original on April 16, 2026. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  142. ↑ "Roy Cooper holds narrow lead over Michael Whatley in First Poll of 2026 US Senate Race in North Carolina" (PDF). Victory Insights. July 30, 2025. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 30, 2026. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
  143. ↑ "The Carolina Forward Poll: April 2025". Carolina Forward. April 14, 2025. Archived from the original on March 17, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  144. ↑ "North Carolina Survey Results" (PDF). Public Policy Polling. March 6, 2025. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.


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