North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race is coming into focus as former Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to run and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, backed by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership,

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — A source familiar with former Congressman Wiley Nickel said he plans to drop out of the race for a U.S. Senate seat and will endorse former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper ’s potential run, according to a report from WNCN.

Since Sen. Thom Tillis said he wouldn’t seek a third term, eyes have been on the former North Carolina governor to run in the Democratic primary.

Trajectories and responsibilities for many politicians altered significantly on the coattails of former President Joe Biden’s announcement a year ago Monday that he would drop out