Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/live-results-north-carolina-senate-midterm-election Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Live Results: North Carolina Senate midterm election Politics Nov 3, 2026 5:00 AM EST WATCH LIVE: Election night 2026 PBS News special coverage Voters in North Carolina are deciding between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley to replace Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who is retiring at the end of his term in January. Tillis announced he would not seek reelection after opposing President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer over Medicaid cuts. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Cooper, a popular two-term governor and former state attorney general, is Democrats' strongest recruit and best pickup opportunity nationwide. He has significantly outraised Whatley, Trump's handpicked candidate. Democrats' clearest path to winning control of Congress runs through North Carolina, plus three of the six Republican-held battleground states, while holding Michigan, New Hampshire and Georgia. -- Matt Loffman A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support…
Live Results: North Carolina Senate midterm election
In short
The vacancy emerged after Senator Thom Tillis chose not to seek reelection following a dispute with President Donald Trump regarding Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Cooper, a two-term governor and former attorney general, has significantly outraised Whatley, who secured Trump's personal endorsement. To achieve a legislative majority, Democrats must capture North Carolina and three other battleground seats while defending incumbents in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.
Key points
- The open Senate race in North Carolina serves as the Democratic Party's top pickup target…: The open Senate race in North Carolina serves as the Democratic Party's top pickup target in the midterm elections.
- Securing North Carolina is central to the Democrats' mathematical path toward taking cont…: Securing North Carolina is central to the Democrats' mathematical path toward taking control of the federal legislature.
- Beyond winning North Carolina, Democrats must defend vulnerable seats across Michigan, Ne…: Beyond winning North Carolina, Democrats must defend vulnerable seats across Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.