Overview

• Sen. Thom Tillis announced July 1 that he will retire rather than seek reelection in 2026.
• Encouraged by White House calls, Lara Trump says she is "truly considering" a 2026 Senate bid after President Trump declared her his “first choice.”
• RNC Chair Michael Whatley has expressed interest, deferring any campaign until Lara Trump formally decides.
• U.S. constitutional requirements only mandate residency at the time of the election; North Carolina party rules impose a 90-day affiliation change before filing.
• North Carolina’s swing-state status amplifies the importance of the open seat for the 2026 midterm balance in the Senate.