Six Democratic hopefuls look to flip North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat

RALEIGH, N.C. — Six Democratic candidates are hoping for the chance to flip one of North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seats come November, as Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has previously announced he will not seek re-election. Click here for real-time results once the polls close on Tuesday, March 3. 

For the March 3 primary, the Democratic field includes: 

• Roy Cooper

• Robert Colon

• Justin Dues

• Daryl Farrow

• Marcus Williams

• Orrick Quick

Cooper served as North Carolina’s governor from 2017 to 2025 and previously as state attorney general for four terms. Some of his efforts during his time as governor included expanding Medicaid, increasing teacher pay, and managing post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. According to his campaign website, Cooper is focused on issues centered on affordability, access to health care, public education, and job creation. 

Colon’s campaign focuses on constitutional principles and community-based policymaking. He argues crime strategies should reflect the needs of individual communities, saying approaches that work in large cities may not work in small towns. His campaign site states he wants to advocate for fairness in immigration policy. His campaign messaging frequently highlights values such as freedom, justice, and unity.

Dues is a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur, focusing his campaign on affordability. His campaign site says he wants to raise wages to $30 per hour by 2030, and he describes health care as a human right. He also supports structural political reforms, including overturning Citizens United, banning corporate PAC money, adding congressional term limits, and ending partisan gerrymandering through a constitutional amendment. Dues has been critical of defense spending and what he describes as “forever wars.”

Farrow is a businessman who has previously run for office. His campaign has maintained a lower public profile compared to some of the other candidates in the field.

Williams is an attorney and former public defender. His campaign has focused on economic opportunity, housing affordability, and expanding access to health care.

Quick is a pastor and former N.C. State football player. His campaign messaging includes themes of constitutional rights, faith, lowering costs, and expanding opportunities for younger generations.

With Republican Senator Thom Tillis stepping aside, North Carolina’s Senate seat is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the country. The state is a battleground with a history of tight statewide elections, and both parties are likely to invest heavily.

Political analysts have described the open seat as a key opportunity for Democrats. At the same time, Republicans may see Tillis’ retirement as a chance to rally behind a new nominee.

The outcome of the Democratic primary will shape the fall matchup — and could play a role in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate.