Who Is Running for Senate in North Carolina in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Thom Tillis
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Thom Tillis has supported initiatives to foster economic growth and job creation. He voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which he states lowered individual tax rates for Americans, reduced poverty, and decreased unemployment. Tillis also championed the CHIPS Act to boost American semiconductor manufacturing and counter China's trade practices.
Immigration
HighSenator Thom Tillis has demanded accountability from the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration enforcement operations, such as Operation Charlotte's Web. He praised the apprehension of criminal illegal aliens but questioned reports of U.S. citizens being detained. Tillis criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for what he viewed as overreach in enforcement tactics, which he believed could jeopardize Republican electoral outcomes. He called for Noem's resignation, supporting federal agents but emphasizing quality over arbitrary quotas in enforcement.
Healthcare
HighThom Tillis prioritizes affordable and quality healthcare for North Carolina families. He advocated for the 21st Century Cures Act to fund medical research and combat the opioid crisis. He is a strong supporter of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and works to expand telehealth services. In 2025, he opposed the Senate reconciliation bill, citing concerns about Medicaid cuts impacting North Carolina residents and hospitals, favoring the House's Medicaid approach with work requirements.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Thom Tillis |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Thom Tillis has supported initiatives to foster economic growth and job creation. He voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which he states lowered individual tax rates for Americans, reduced poverty, and decreased unemployment. Tillis also championed the CHIPS Act to boost American semiconductor manufacturing and counter China's trade practices. High |
| Immigration | Senator Thom Tillis has demanded accountability from the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration enforcement operations, such as Operation Charlotte's Web. He praised the apprehension of criminal illegal aliens but questioned reports of U.S. citizens being detained. Tillis criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for what he viewed as overreach in enforcement tactics, which he believed could jeopardize Republican electoral outcomes. He called for Noem's resignation, supporting federal agents but emphasizing quality over arbitrary quotas in enforcement. High |
| Healthcare | Thom Tillis prioritizes affordable and quality healthcare for North Carolina families. He advocated for the 21st Century Cures Act to fund medical research and combat the opioid crisis. He is a strong supporter of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and works to expand telehealth services. In 2025, he opposed the Senate reconciliation bill, citing concerns about Medicaid cuts impacting North Carolina residents and hospitals, favoring the House's Medicaid approach with work requirements. High |
| Climate & Energy | Thom Tillis supports addressing climate change through market-based solutions to foster innovation and economic growth. He advocated for "right-sizing" solar tariffs to support North Carolina's solar industry and co-introduced the bipartisan National Park Restoration Act to fund park maintenance. He voted against a domestic policy bill in the Senate that would unravel federal plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The League of Conservation Voters gave him a 9% score in 2025 and an 11% lifetime score. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Thom Tillis opposes abortion. In 2011, he supported a North Carolina law requiring an ultrasound four hours before an abortion, stating it was "the most critical part of the law." He voted to defund Planned Parenthood in 2012 and supported restrictions on abortion embedded in other bills. He voted "Yes" on the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" in 2015 and opposes the Women's Health Protection Act, citing concerns it would endanger state-level abortion restrictions. He also supports "personhood" efforts. High |
| Foreign Policy | Senator Thom Tillis supports strong U.S. alliances and deterrence to maintain global safety and superpower status. He voted to require Senate consent for withdrawing from NATO and to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Tillis has also emphasized the importance of honoring treaty obligations, respecting national sovereignty, and working with allies like Denmark, viewing unity as crucial for the transatlantic community. He co-chairs the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group. High |
| Education | Senator Thom Tillis supported the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, aiming to align education and job training with local economic needs and prepare students for the workforce. He also led efforts to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which invested over $300 million in school safety measures and student support. Additionally, Tillis opposes using taxpayer funds for what he considers ideological and misleading historical depictions. High |
| Gun Policy | Senator Thom Tillis voted to advance a bipartisan gun bill in 2022, which strengthens background checks for 18-to-21-year-olds and increases penalties for illegal firearm sales. He described this legislation as a "positive step" for community safety and for aiding individuals with mental health challenges. However, he also holds an A+ rating from the NRA and co-sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. His support for certain gun policies led to censure by the North Carolina Republican Party. High |
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