2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina

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. Incumbent two-term Republican Senator Thom Tillis, was re-elected in 2020 with 48.7% of the vote against former State Senator Cal Cunningham. On June 10, 2023, the North Carolina Republican Party had censured Tillis over his bipartisan support on gun control and same-sex marriage. Outgoing governor Roy Cooper, who is term-limited as governor in 2024, is considered a potential Democratic candidate.

Republican primary
Senator Thom Tillis is 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.

Potential

 * Thom Tillis, incumbent U.S. Senator

Filed paperwork

 * Wiley Nickel, U.S. Representative from NC's 13th congressional district (2023–present)

Potential

 * Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina (2017–present)