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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

North Carolina primaries launch all-out battle to replace retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis

Whatley is widely expected to win the Republican primary and face Cooper in the Senate race.

North Carolina primaries launch all-out battle to replace retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis
Image · WWAYTV3

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This article1 analysis · Oct 9, 2026

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Mar 3, 2026
tl;dr

North Carolina’s primaries begin a closely watched contest for retiring Sen. Thom Tillis’ seat, with Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley expected to lead their parties’ races. The article also outlines House contests shaped by a new congressional map.

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No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Whatley in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Whatley’s record.

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Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Roy Cooper
D · NC

Democratic Senate candidate in North Carolina

Cooper's version of this story ↗
Chuck Edwards
R · NC-11

Republican representative whose district Democrats are targeting

Democratic representative seeking renomination in the 4th District

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Michael Whatley and had threatened Tillis with a primary challenger

Republican Senate primary challenger

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Independent senator who endorsed Nida Allam

Nida Allam
D · NC

Democratic primary challenger to Valerie Foushee

Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Republican senator retiring from the North Carolina seat

Jamie Ager
D · NC

Democratic House candidate challenging for the seat held by Chuck Edwards

Democratic representative whose district was redrawn

Don Brown
R · NC

Republican Senate primary challenger

ALSO MENTIONED  Josh Stein, North Carolina governor who endorsed Valerie Foushee

Part of a bigger story

5 OUTLETS
North Carolina Primary Shapes Potential Cooper-Whatley Senate Race

Outlets describe North Carolina’s primary as a step toward a possible fall Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley. They present Whatley as the Republican frontrunner and say control of the Senate could be at stake. Center outlets largely frame the primary around the potential Cooper-Whatley race and Senate control, while some also detail Whatley’s primary challengers or other state and House contests.

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