4 sources·Politics

Wiley Nickel Launches Senate Campaign Against Thom Tillis in North Carolina

Former Rep. Wiley Nickel announces his candidacy for the 2026 North Carolina Senate race to challenge incumbent Thom Tillis, criticizing his support for Trump.

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  1. Former Democratic Rep Launches Bid To Unseat GOP Senator

    Tillis’ Senate seat is seen as a potential pickup opportunity for the Democratic Party as part of their broader effort to take back control of the Senate in the 2026 midterms.

    Former Democratic Rep Launches Bid To Unseat GOP Senator

    Daily CallerDaily Caller·10d
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    Right
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  3. Ex-congressman Nickel entering race to unseat North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026

    Nickel signaled his interest in a Senate bid in late 2023, when the Raleigh-area congressman decided against seeking a second term the next year because he determined congressional redistricting by Republican state legislators made it impossible to win his seat again.

    Ex-congressman Nickel entering race to unseat North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026

    ABC NewsABC News·10d
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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  4. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel running for Senate in North Carolina

    Tillis, who is currently in his second term, is viewed as one of the most vulnerable senators on the 2026 ballot: Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race as a battleground.

    Former Rep. Wiley Nickel running for Senate in North Carolina

    Roll CallRoll Call·10d
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    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. Daily Caller
  2. FOX News
  3. ABC News
  4. Roll Call
Updated: Apr 10th, 2025, 1:23 AM ET

Summary

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Wiley Nickel, a former U.S. Representative, has announced his campaign to unseat Republican Senator Thom Tillis in North Carolina for the 2026 Senate race. Nickel is positioning himself as a challenger to Tillis's alignment with Trump, stating that North Carolinians need leadership that stands up for them instead of for billionaires and extremists. This race is viewed as highly competitive, especially given recent changes in the state's political landscape. Other Democrats, including former Governor Roy Cooper, may also enter the race, adding to the complexity of the primary.

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  • Wiley Nickel is challenging Republican Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina, positioning his campaign as a response to Trump’s influence in the state and arguing for a more courageous leadership that stands up to billionaires and extremist policies.

  • Nickel aims to connect Tillis directly with Trump's agenda, criticizing him for enabling policies that he says harm North Carolinians, including cuts to essential services such as Medicare.

  • The 2026 Senate race in North Carolina is viewed as highly competitive, with Nickel being the first major candidate to declare, while also potentially facing competition from prominent figures like former Gov. Roy Cooper.

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