U.S. Senate (North Carolina)

U.S. Senators represent all citizens of North Carolina at the federal level for six-year terms. They vote on federal legislation, confirm presidential appointments, ratify treaties and secure federal funding for state priorities. North Carolina's 11 million residents would be represented by this senator. The U.S. Senate currently has 53 Republicans and 45 Democrats, as well as two independents who caucus with Democrats.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper faces Republican Michael Whatley. The seat is currently held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who decided not to seek reelection because of the “political theater and partisan gridlock” in D.C. Democrats have not won a Senate election in North Carolina since 2008. North Carolina’s junior senator, Republican Ted Budd, was elected in 2022; that seat will be up for reelection in 2028.

Two other candidates, Libertarian Shannon Bray and the Green Party's Michael Dublin, will also appear on this ballot. 

As of June 2026, Cooper has raised over $26 million while Whatley has raised over $8 million. SuperPACs have also spent approximately $735,000 against Cooper.  Dublin has raised $25,000. To date, Bray has not filed any campaign finance reports for this race.

U.S. Senate Candidates