If you’re trying to keep track of the political heavyweights in Raleigh and D.C., things just got a whole lot more complicated. Honestly, the answer to who are the senators of North Carolina is a moving target right now. As of early 2026, the state is represented in the U.S. Senate by Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. Both are Republicans.
But here is the kicker: that’s about to change.
North Carolina is basically the center of the political universe this year. While Ted Budd is settled in for a long stint, Thom Tillis sent shockwaves through the state last June when he announced he wouldn't seek a third term. That means one of these seats is wide open, and the fight to fill it is already getting messy.
The Senior Senator: Thom Tillis (The One Leaving)
Thom Tillis has been a fixture in North Carolina politics for what feels like forever. He’s the senior senator, having first squeezed past Kay Hagan in 2014. Before he headed to Washington, he was the Speaker of the North Carolina House, where he was known as a pretty ruthless strategist.
Tillis has always been a bit of a lightning rod. He’s often viewed as a "mainstream" Republican, which sometimes gets him in trouble with the further-right wing of his own party. Think about the 2020 election—he barely survived a challenge from Cal Cunningham, winning with just 48.7% of the vote.
His decision to retire in 2026 wasn't entirely a surprise to insiders, but it has definitely flipped the script for the upcoming election. He’s currently serving on the Judiciary Committee and Armed Services, and he’s been vocal about everything from veteran affairs to bipartisan infrastructure deals. But by January 2027, he’ll be heading home to the Charlotte area.
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The Junior Senator: Ted Budd (The One Staying)
Then you’ve got Ted Budd. He’s the junior senator, but he’s not going anywhere for a while. Budd won his seat in 2022 after Richard Burr retired. Unlike the nail-biter races Tillis usually faced, Budd had a relatively comfortable win over Cheri Beasley.
Who are the senators of North Carolina in terms of daily impact? Right now, Budd is leaning hard into disaster recovery. Just this month, in January 2026, he’s been all over the news for securing over $116 million in FEMA and hazard mitigation grants for Western North Carolina.
The region is still reeling from the long-term effects of Hurricane Helene. Budd has been pushing the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem to speed up buyouts for families whose homes were destroyed.
He’s also been making waves on the international front. He just introduced the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act of 2026, which basically tries to block visas for anyone involved in religious violence abroad. He’s clearly carving out a niche in national security and "Special Ops" protection, recently working with New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen on a bill to keep the identities of elite military operators secret.
Why the 2026 Election is Total Chaos
Since Tillis is stepping down, the 2026 race to decide who are the senators of North Carolina is essentially a free-for-all.
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On the Democratic side, the big name is Roy Cooper. The former Governor (2017–2025) is the heavy favorite for the nomination. He’s already raised over $10 million. People in NC either love him or hate him, but there’s no denying he has high name recognition.
The Republican side is a bit more of a scramble. Michael Whatley, the former RNC chair, is a major contender. He’s got the backing of Lara Trump and the "MAGA" wing of the party. But he's not alone. You’ve also got:
- Don Brown: An attorney and author who’s been endorsed by former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
- Michele Morrow: A former nurse who’s well-known in the state's education circles.
- Thomas Johnson and Margot Dupre: Both are running as outsiders.
The primary is coming up fast on March 3, 2026. If nobody gets enough votes, we’re looking at a runoff in May. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.
The "Third Party" Factor
Don’t ignore the smaller parties. They probably won’t win, but they can definitely act as spoilers in a state as purple as North Carolina.
Shannon Bray is running again for the Libertarians. He’s a perennial candidate, but in 2020, he pulled enough votes away from the majors that some people think he cost the Democrats the seat. Then there's Brian McGinnis for the Green Party and Shaunesi Deberry running as an Independent.
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In a race that might be decided by 1% or 2%, these candidates matter.
What You Should Do Next
If you live in North Carolina, you’ve got work to do. The state is no longer a "safe" bet for either party.
First, check your registration status. The deadline to register for the primary is February 6, 2026. If you miss that, you’re sitting out the first round.
Second, get a handle on the new voter ID laws. North Carolina is strict about this now. You’ll need a valid photo ID when you show up at the polls.
Early voting starts on February 12, 2026, and runs through the end of the month. Given how crazy the lines can get on Election Day, hitting the polls early is usually the smarter move.
The question of who are the senators of North Carolina is half-answered today by Budd and Tillis, but the other half is entirely up to the voters over the next ten months. Keep an eye on the fundraising numbers—they usually tell you who the national parties are actually betting on.