Senator Thom Tillis’ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026 has reshaped the political landscape in North Carolina, opening the door to what is expected to be one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. Tillis, a Republican first elected in 2014, had increasingly found himself at odds with the Trump wing of his party and was facing the prospect of a difficult primary.
“It’s not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election,” Tillis said in a statement. Citing the decline of bipartisanship in Washington, he added, “it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.”
His decision immediately ignited speculation over who might replace him. With the seat now wide open, both parties are preparing for an expensive and hard-fought contest.
Republicans Eye Trump-Aligned Candidates
Without Tillis on the ballot, Republicans are signaling a shift toward candidates more closely aligned with former President Donald Trump. Among the most buzzed-about contenders are Michael Whatley, the current chair of the Republican National Committee and former head of the North Carolina GOP, and Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and a North Carolina native.
While an RNC official said Whatley currently has no plans to leave his post, Lara Trump said that a Senate run is “absolutely something” she would consider.
Former President Trump told reporters he would be thrilled by her candidacy, calling her his “first choice,” though he noted they hadn’t yet discussed it directly.
If Lara Trump enters the race, she’s widely expected to be the GOP frontrunner. Rep. Pat Harrigan, one of several North Carolina Republicans considering a bid, said he would back her: “If @LaraLeaTrump enters this race, I’ll be the first to endorse her and the first to fight for her victory,” he posted on X.
Other potential Republican candidates include Reps. Greg Murphy, Addison McDowell, and Tim Moore. Rep. Richard Hudson, who chairs the House GOP campaign committee, confirmed he would not run.
North Carolina GOP Chairman Jason Simmons expressed confidence that the party would hold the seat. “We will hold this seat for Republicans in 2026 and continue to deliver on President Trump’s America First priorities,” he said.
Democrats See Opportunity
Democrats view Tillis’ retirement as a major opportunity to flip the seat after disappointing results in 2024. Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel has already declared his candidacy, saying, “Thom Tillis is out. No matter which MAGA loyalist Trump picks, I’m the only Democrat in this race, and I’m ready to win.”
But the top choice for many Democrats is former Governor Roy Cooper. A spokesperson said Cooper is strongly considering a run and will announce his decision in the coming weeks.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton said enthusiasm is high. Clayton told ABC News that while she’s been travelling the state, “what I’ve heard the most from folks is that they would love to see Governor Cooper get in this race.” Still, she emphasized that the party has a strong bench, citing Nickel and Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. A spokesperson for Hunt said she’s waiting to see what Cooper does before making a decision.
Clayton said the party has already seen an influx of donations and volunteers since Tillis announced his retirement. “North Carolina Democrats are in a prime position to be able to take this seat, especially now that it’s an open seat,” she said.
Political observers say both parties are recalibrating. Davidson College professor Susan Roberts called Cooper a “real powerhouse” who could bring credibility and experience to the race. Duke University’s Mac McCorkle noted that Lara Trump’s name recognition could clear the Republican field. “It’s Lara Trump’s to refuse,” he said.
Tillis’ retirement also follows his vote against Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” citing concerns over Medicaid cuts. Trump, in turn, accused Tillis of grandstanding and vowed to support a challenger. Some Republicans have privately expressed relief, saying Tillis’ shaky support among both moderates and the GOP base would have made it hard to win re-election.
Now, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes battle in a state that could decide the balance of power in the Senate.
Read more from ABC News.
