The race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) is taking shape, with both former Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Trump, signaling interest in running for the Senate seat. Cooper is “strongly considering” a campaign and will decide in the coming weeks, his adviser told Axios. Lara Trump confirmed she’s “considering it” during an appearance on Fox News Radio.
Tillis announced Sunday he won’t seek a third term, citing a growing lack of bipartisanship in Washington. His departure opens a high-stakes contest in a state Trump has carried three times and that Democrats view as their top chance to flip a seat in 2026.
Both Cooper and Trump hold “right of first refusal” status within their parties, with potential rivals likely to defer if they run. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has already launched a campaign, while freshman GOP Reps. Pat Harrigan, Tim Moore, and Brad Knott are potential contenders if Lara Trump declines.
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