1980 United States Senate election in North Carolina

The 1980 United States Senate election in North Carolina was held on November 4, 1980, as part of the nationwide elections to the Senate. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Robert Morgan ran for reelection to a second term, but narrowly lost to Republican John East.

This was the first time Republicans won this seat since 1897, and the inauguration of John East marked the first time since 1871 that they held both Senate seats simultaneously.

Democratic
Robert Morgan was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Republican
John East was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Candidates

 * John East (R), Professor at East Carolina University
 * Robert Morgan (D), incumbent U.S. Senator