U.S. Senate (Republican Primary)

The U.S. Senators for North Carolina represent all 11 million citizens of the state 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.

Former Republican National Committee and Trump-endorsed candidate Michael Whatley faces six challengers. The winner of this primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the 2026 general election in the fall. Observers expect this U.S. Senate race to attract significant national attention and to be one of the most expensive political races ever in U.S. history.

Republicans are seeking to hold this seat after Sen. Thom Tillis announced he will not seek reelection due to the “political theater and partisan gridlock” in D.C. Democrats have not won a Senate election in North Carolina since 2008. However, the heavy media attention provides the possibility of flipping a seat in a swing state. North Carolina’s other senator, Republican Ted Budd, was elected in 2022. That seat will be up for reelection in 2028.