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United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2020
- Election date: Nov. 3
- Registration deadline(s): Oct. 9
- Online registration: Yes
- Same-day registration: No
- Recount laws
- Early voting starts: Oct. 15
- Absentee/mail voting deadline(s): Nov. 3 (postmarked); Nov. 12 (received)
- Processing, counting, and challenging absentee/mail-in ballots
- Voter ID: No ID
- Poll times: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2022 →
← 2016
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| U.S. Senate, North Carolina |
|---|
 |
| Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: December 20, 2019 |
| Primary: March 3, 2020 Primary runoff: June 23, 2020 General: November 3, 2020 Pre-election incumbent: Thom Tillis (Republican) |
| How to vote |
| Poll times: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting in North Carolina |
| Race ratings |
Inside Elections: Tilt Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean Democratic |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2020 |
| See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th • 12th • 13th North Carolina elections, 2020 U.S. Congress elections, 2020 U.S. Senate elections, 2020 U.S. House elections, 2020 |
Incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis (R) defeated Cal Cunningham (D), Kevin E. Hayes (Constitution Party), and Shannon Bray (L) in the November 3, 2020, general election for United States Senate in North Carolina.
On October 2, 2020, Tillis announced he had tested positive for coronavirus. On the same day, Cunningham confirmed reports that he had sent sexual texts to a woman who is not his wife. To read more about these events, click here.
Tillis was first elected in 2014, defeating incumbent Kay Hagan (D) 48.8% to 47.3%. Donald Trump (R) won North Carolina in 2016's presidential election with 50% of the vote to Hillary Clinton’s (D) 46%.
The 2020 Senate race in North Carolina drew the most satellite spending of any congressional race in history.[1] The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Senate Leadership Fund, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), and Senate Majority PAC were among the top spenders.
Independent race rating outlets expected the race to be competitive.
The outcome of this race affected partisan control of the U.S. Senate. Thirty-five of 100 seats were up for election, including two special elections. At the time of the election, Republicans had a 53-45 majority over Democrats in the Senate. Independents who caucus with the Democrats held the two remaining seats. Republicans faced greater partisan risk in the election. They defended 23 seats while Democrats defended 12. Both parties had two incumbents representing states the opposite party's presidential nominee won in 2016.
Shannon Bray completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey. Click here to view his responses.
Election procedure changes in 2020
Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.
North Carolina modified its absentee/mail-in voting and early voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:
- Absentee/mail-in voting: The witness signature requirement on completed absentee ballots decreased from two to one. The receipt deadline was extended to 5 p.m. on November 12, 2020, for ballots postmarked on or before Election Day.
- Early voting: Early voting sites were required to be open for at least 10 hours on the weekends of October 17-18, 2020, and October 24-25, 2020. Counties had to open at least one early voting site per 20,000 registered voters.
For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for U.S. Senate North Carolina
Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Cal Cunningham, Shannon Bray, and Kevin E. Hayes in the general election for U.S. Senate North Carolina on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Thom Tillis (R) | 48.7 | 2,665,598 |
 | Cal Cunningham (D) | 46.9 | 2,569,965 | |
 | Shannon Bray (L)  | 3.1 | 171,571 | |
 | Kevin E. Hayes (Constitution Party) | 1.2 | 67,818 | |
| Total votes: 5,474,952 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jeremy Thomas (Independence Party)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina
Cal Cunningham defeated Erica Smith, Trevor Fuller, Steve Swenson, and Atul Goel in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Cal Cunningham | 56.9 | 717,941 |
 | Erica Smith | 34.8 | 438,969 | |
| Trevor Fuller | 3.8 | 48,168 | ||
| Steve Swenson | 2.7 | 33,741 | ||
 | Atul Goel | 1.8 | 22,226 | |
| Total votes: 1,261,045 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Steve Williams (D)
- Eva Lee (D)
- Eric Mansfield (D)
- Katherine Bell-Moore (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina
Incumbent Thom Tillis defeated Paul Wright, Larry Holmquist, and Sharon Hudson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thom Tillis | 78.1 | 608,943 |
 | Paul Wright | 7.6 | 58,908 | |
 | Larry Holmquist | 7.4 | 57,356 | |
 | Sharon Hudson | 7.0 | 54,651 | |
| Total votes: 779,858 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Sandy Smith (R)
- Garland Tucker III (R)
Constitution primary election
The Constitution primary election was canceled. Kevin E. Hayes advanced from the Constitution primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.
Libertarian primary election
The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Shannon Bray advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate North Carolina.
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[2] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- United States Senate (Assumed office: 2015)
- North Carolina House of Representatives (2007-2015)
Biography: Tillis received a bachelor’s degree in technology management from University of Maryland University College. Before his political career, he was a regional technical marketing manager at Wang Laboratories from 1987 to 1990, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1990 to 2002, and from 1990 to 2009 was a partner at IBM Global Business Services.
Show sources
Sources: YouTube, "Warrior," September 17, 2019; YouTube, "Together We'll Win This," April 29, 2020; YouTube, "Humble," May 27, 2020; YouTube, "Sneaky," September 4, 2020; YouTube, "Not This Time," September 7, 2020; YouTube, "Joe Biden's Judges," September 29, 2020; LinkedIn, "Thom Tillis," accessed October 4, 2020;
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate North Carolina in 2020.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- North Carolina State Senate (2001-2002)
Biography: Cunningham received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master's from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He served as vice chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission under Gov. Roy Cooper (D). As of the 2020 election, Cunningham had been a member of the Army Reserves since 2002, an attorney since 2003, and vice president of the company WasteZero since 2013.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate North Carolina in 2020.
Party: Libertarian Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Shannon Bray is a former submariner and diver for the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, Shannon started a career in information technology. Over the past decade, Shannon has worked for several federal agencies and is now a cyber security analyst for the Department of Defense. He received his undergrad from the Colorado State and his master's from the University of Delaware. He is now pursing a PhD in Computer Science and is focusing on national defense. Over his career, Shannon has been a featured speaker at many technology conferences, written several books, and teaches stem classes to youth programs. Shannon Bray lives in Apex, NC. with his wife Stephanie and their three kids who are ages 10, 11, and 12. In his free time, Shannon loves to scuba dive and explore the beautiful coast lands of North Carolina. While politics was never a goal, over the past several years, he realized that our information infrastructures are at risk and our current representatives struggle to understand how technology is used to keep our systems safe. Shannon's passions lie with the veteran services, protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and ensuring our personal privacy both in life and in our online data."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate North Carolina in 2020.
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
| U.S. Senate election in North Carolina: General election polls | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Date |  Tillis
|
 Cunningham
|
 Hayes
|
 Bray
|
Undecided/No answer | Other | Margin of error | Sample size | Sponsor | |
| Reuters/Ipsos | Oct. 27-Nov. 1, 2020 | 46% | 48% | -- | -- | 2% | 4% | ± 4.2 | 707 | -- | |
| Frederick Polls | Oct. 30-31, 2020 | 46% | 50% | 2% | 3% | -- | -- | ± 3.7 | 676 | -- | |
| Morning Consult | Oct. 22-31, 2020 | 43% | 47% | -- | -- | -- | -- | ± 2.0 | 1,982 | -- | |
| Data for Progress | Oct. 27-Nov. 1, 2020 | 46% | 51% | 1% | 2% | -- | -- | ± 3.3 | 908 | -- | |
| Emerson College | Oct. 29-31, 2020 | 43% | 46% | -- | -- | 9% | 2% | ± 3.3 | 855 | -- | |
| Click [show] to see older poll results | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Date | Tillis
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Cunningham
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Hayes
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Bray
|
Undecided/No answer | Other | Margin of error | Sample size | Sponsor | |
| CNN/SSRS | Oct. 24-27, 2020 | 44% | 47% | 2% | 2% | -- | 3% | ± 4.0 | 901 | -- | |
| Meeting Street Insights | Oct. 24-27, 2020 | 43% | 47% | -- | -- | -- | -- | ± 4.0 | 600 | Carolina Partnership for Reform | |
| NBC News/Marist | Oct. 25-28, 2020 | 43% | 53% | -- | -- | 2% | 2% | ± 4.7 | 800 | -- | |
| East Carolina University | Oct. 27-28, 2020 | 46% | 47% | -- | -- | 4% | 4% | ± 3.4 | 1,103 | -- | |
| Rasmussen Reports/Pulse Opinion Research | Oct. 28-29, 2020 | 44% | 47% | -- | -- | 6% | 3% | ± 3.5 | 800 | -- | |
| Cardinal Point Analytics/The North State Journal | Oct. 27-28, 2020 | 46% | 41% | 2% | 6% | 6% | -- | ± 3.6 | 750 | -- | |
| Swayable | Oct. 23-26, 2020 | 50.3% | 49.7% | -- | -- | -- | -- | ± 6.9 | 365 | -- | |
| The New York Times/Siena College | Oct. 23-27, 2020 | 43% | 46% | -- | -- | -- | 11% | ±3.7 | 1,034 | -- | |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Oct. 20-26, 2020 | 45% | 49% | -- | -- | 6% | 1% | ±4.2 | 911 | -- | |
| SurveyUSA | Oct. 23-26, 2020 | 45% | 48% | -- | -- | 4% | 3% | ±4.9 | 627 | -- | |
| Gravis Marketing | Oct. 26-27, 2020 | 44% | 46% | -- | -- | 9% | -- | ±4.0 | 614 | -- | |
| RMG Research/Political IQ | Oct. 24-26, 2020 | 42% | 49% | -- | -- | 5% | 4% | ±3.5 | 800 | -- | |
| Harper Polling | Oct. 22-25, 2020 | 43% | 46% | 1% | 2% | 7% | -- | ±4.3 | 504 | Civitas Institute | |
| Public Policy Polling | Oct. 26-27, 2020 | 44% | 47% | -- | -- | 9% | -- | ±3.2 | 937 | -- | |
| Reuters/Ipsos | Oct. 21-27, 2020 | 47% | 48% | -- | -- | 1% | 3% | ±4.4 | 647 | -- | |
| CBS News/YouGov | Oct. 20-23, 2020 | 43% | 49% | -- | -- | 5% | 3% | ±4.1 | 1,037 | -- | |
| Rasmussen Reports/Pulse Opinion Research | Oct. 20-21, 2020 | 45% | 45% | -- | -- | 6% | 4% | ±3.5 | 800 | -- | |
| Meredith College | Oct. 16-19, 2020 | 38% | 43% | 1% | 4% | 14% | -- | ±3.0 | 732 | -- | |
| Morning Consult | Oct. 18-20, 2020 | 42% | 48% | -- | -- | -- | 10% | ±2.2 | 1,904 | -- | |
| Reuters/Ipsos | Oct. 14-20, 2020 | 47% | 47% | -- | -- | 3% | 3% | ±4.3 | 660 | -- | |
| The Washington Post/ABC News | Oct. 12-17, 2020 | 47% | 49% | -- | -- | -- | 4% | ±4.5 | 646 | -- | |
| Civiqs | Oct. 11-14, 2020 | 45% | 51% | 1% | 2% | -- | 2% | ±3.3 | 1,211 | Daily Kos | |
| Siena College | Oct. 9-13, 2020 | 37% | 41% | 3% | 4% | 15% | 1% | ±4.5 | 627 | The New York Times | |
| Susquehanna Polling & Research Inc. | Oct. 7-11, 2020 | 44% | 46% | -- | -- | 7% | 2% | ± 4.3 | 500 | Center for American Greatness | |
| Ipsos | Oct. 7-13, 2020 | 42% | 46% | -- | -- | 7% | 5% | ± 4.3 | 660 | Reuters | |
| Morning Consult | Oct. 2-11, 2020 | 41% | 47% | -- | -- | -- | 12% | ± 2.2 | 1,993 | -- | |
| Monmouth University | Oct. 8-11, 2020 | 44% | 48% | <1% | 3% | 3% | 1% | ±4.4 | 500 | -- | |
| SurveyUSA | Oct. 8-11, 2020 | 39% | 49% | -- | -- | 8% | 3% | ±4.8 | 669 | WRAL-TV | |
| Ipsos | Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2020 | 42% | 47% | -- | -- | 7% | 4% | ± 4.2 | 693 | Reuters | |
| East Carolina University | October 2-4 | 46% | 45% | -- | -- | 6% | 3% | ± 3.2 | 1,232 | N/A | |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell/YouGov | September 18-25 | 43% | 49% | -- | -- | 7% | 1% | ± 4.1 | 921 | N/A | |
| Meredith College | September 18-22 | 42% | 43% | 1% | 4% | 12% | -- | ± 3.5 | 705 | N/A | |
| YouGov | September 22-25 | 38% | 48% | -- | -- | 11% | 3% | ± 3.6 | 1,213 | CBS News | |
| Harper Polling | Sept. 17-20, 2020 | 38% | 44% | 3% | 2% | 13% | -- | ±4 | 612 | Civitas Institute | |
| Emerson College | Sept. 16-18, 2020 | 43% | 49% | -- | -- | 8% | -- | ± 3.6 | 717 | N/A | |
| Redfield & Wilton Strategies | Sept. 12-15, 2020 | 38% | 49% | -- | -- | 9% | 4% | +/- 3 | 1,092 | N/A | |
| Ipsos | Sept. 11-16, 2020 | 44% | 48% | -- | -- | 6% | 2% | ± 4.6[3] | 586 | Reuters | |
| Siena College | Sept. 11-16, 2020 | 37% | 42% | 1% | 2% | 16% | 1% | ±4.3 | 653 | The New York Times | |
| Kaiser Family Foundation/Cook Political Report | Aug. 29-Sept., 2020 | 37% | 41% | -- | -- | 19% | 3% | ±3.0 | 1,172 | N/A | |
| Suffolk University | Sept. 11-14, 2020 | 38% | 42% | 2% | 6% | 11% | 2% | ±4.4[4] | 500 | USA Today | |
| SurveyUSA | Sept. 10-13, 2020 | 40% | 47% | -- | -- | 10% | 3% | ±5.6 | 596 | WRAL-TV | |
| The Trafalgar Group | Sept. 9-11, 2020 | 45% | 46% | 1% | 3% | 5% | -- | ±3.0 | 1046 | N/A | |
| SSRS | Sept. 9-13, 2020 | 46% | 47% | 1% | 3% | 3% | -- | ±4.4 | 787 | CNN | |
| Pulse Opinion Research | Sept. 7-8, 2020 | 44% | 47% | -- | -- | 7% | 3% | ±3 | 1000 | Rasmussen Reports | |
| Redfield and Wilton | Aug. 30 - Sept. 3, 2020 | 37% | 47% | -- | -- | 13% | 3% | ±3.2 | 951 | N/A | |
| Monmouth University | Aug. 29-Sept. 1 | 45% | 46% | 1% | 2% | 5% | 1% | ± 4.9 | 401 | N/A | |
| Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research | Aug. 29-Sept. 1 | 42% | 48% | 1% | 3% | 5% | 1% | ± 3.5 | 722 | FOX News | |
| East Carolina University | August 29-30 | 44% | 44% | -- | -- | 9% | 3% | ± 3.4 | 1,101 | N/A | |
| Redfield & Wilton Strategies | August 16-17 | 38% | 47% | -- | -- | 13% | 3% | ± 3.2 | 967 | N/A | |
| East Carolina University | August 12-13 | 40% | 44% | -- | -- | 11% | 5% | ± 3.2 | 1,255 | N/A | |
| Harper Polling | August 6-10 | 38% | 41% | 2% | 2% | 16% | -- | ± 4.0 | 600 | Civitas Institute | |
| Emerson College | August 8-10 | 42% | 44% | -- | -- | 14% | -- | ± 3.4 | 843 | N/A | |
| HIT Strategies | July 23-31 | 32% | 48% | -- | -- | 15% | 6% | ± 4.9 | 400 | Education Reform Now Advocacy | |
| Data for Progress | July 24-August 2 | 37% | 45% | -- | -- | 18% | -- | ± 3.0-6.0 | 1,170 | N/A | |
| YouGov | July 13-15 | 39% | 48% | -- | -- | 9% | 3% | ± 3.8 | 1,152 | CBS News | |
| Redfield & Wilton Strategies | July 19-21 | 36% | 47% | -- | -- | 14% | 2% | ± 3.2 | 919 | N/A | |
| Morning Consult | July 17-26 | 37% | 46% | -- | -- | 13% | 4% | ± 3.0 | 1,504 | N/A | |
| Marist | July 14-22 | 41% | 50% | -- | -- | 9% | 1% | ± 4.0 | 882 | NBC News | |
| Spry Strategies | July 12-16 | 40% | 40% | -- | -- | 13% | 6% | ± 3.7 | 700 | American Principles Project | |
| Cardinal Point Analytics | July 13-15 | 44% | 47% | 1% | 1% | 6% | -- | ± 4.2 | 547 | N/A | |
| East Carolina University | June 22-25 | 41% | 41% | -- | -- | 10% | 8% | ± 3.4 | 1,149 | N/A | |
| Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research | June 20-23 | 37% | 39% | 3% | 3% | 15% | 2% | ± 3.0 | 1,012 | FOX News | |
| Siena College | June 14-17 | 39% | 42% | -- | -- | 17% | 2% | ± 4.1 | 653 | The New York Times | |
| Redfield & Wilton Strategies | June 14-17 | 36% | 45% | -- | -- | 16% | 3% | ± 3.2 | 902 | N/A | |
| Gravis Marketing | June 17 | 46% | 45% | -- | -- | 9% | -- | ± 3.9 | 631 | One America News Network | |
| Harper Polling | May 26-28 | 38% | 36% | 3% | 2% | 21% | -- | ± 4.4 | 500 | Civitas Institute | |
| Meeting Street Insights | May 9, 11-13 | 42% | 43% | -- | -- | 15% | -- | ± 4.4 | 500 | Carolina Partnership for Reform | |
| East Carolina University | May 7-9 | 41% | 40% | -- | -- | 11% | 8% | ± 3.4 | 1,111 | N/A | |
| Civiqs | May 2-4 | 41% | 50% | -- | -- | 5% | 4% | ± 3.0 | 1,362 | Daily Kos | |
| Meredith College | April 27-28 | 34% | 44% | -- | -- | 18% | 4% | ± 4.0 | 604 | N/A | |
| SurveyUSA | April 23-26 | 39% | 41% | -- | -- | 20% | -- | ± 5.5 | 580 | N/A | |
| Harper Polling | April 5-7 | 38% | 34% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 23% | ± 4.4 | 500 | Civitas Institute | |
Ballotpedia Power Index
- See also: The Ballotpedia Power Index
The Ballotpedia Power Index (BPI) is an election forecasting tool which factors in polling averages from RealClearPolitics and share prices on PredictIt to project the overall chances of each candidate winning election. It is updated every weekday. The following chart displays the BPI for this race dating back to August 20, 2020.
Campaign finance
This section contains campaign finance figures from the Federal Election Commission covering all candidate fundraising and spending in this election.[5] It does not include information on fundraising before the current campaign cycle or on spending by satellite groups. The numbers in this section are updated as candidates file new campaign finance reports. Candidates for Congress are required to file financial reports on a quarterly basis, as well as two weeks before any primary, runoff, or general election in which they will be on the ballot and upon the termination of any campaign committees.[6]
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thom Tillis | Republican Party | $26,718,700 | $26,370,206 | $834,909 | As of December 31, 2020 |
| Cal Cunningham | Democratic Party | $52,569,134 | $52,395,430 | $173,704 | As of December 31, 2020 |
| Kevin E. Hayes | Constitution Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Shannon Bray | Libertarian Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2020. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
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Race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[7]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[8][9][10]
| Race ratings: U.S. Senate election in North Carolina, 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| November 3, 2020 | October 27, 2020 | October 20, 2020 | October 13, 2020 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report | Toss-up | Toss-up | Toss-up | Toss-up | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Tilt Democratic | Tilt Democratic | Tilt Democratic | Tilt Democratic | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Lean Democratic | Toss-up | Toss-up | Toss-up | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every week throughout the election season. | |||||||||
Noteworthy endorsements
This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.
Click the links below to see endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites, if available.
| Noteworthy endorsements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endorsement | Tillis (R) | Cunningham (D) | ||||
| Newspapers and editorials | ||||||
| Indy Week[11] | ✔ | |||||
| Elected officials | ||||||
| President Donald Trump (R)[12] | ✔ | |||||
| Individuals | ||||||
| Former President Barack Obama (D)[13] | ✔ | |||||
Timeline
2020
Campaign advertisements
This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.
Thom Tillis
Supporting Tillis
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Opposing Cunningham
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- "Cal Cunningham once said: 'I’m Happy To Take Questions, I Take Them Every Day.' So what changed?" - Tillis campaign ad, released October 29, 2020
- "Radically Liberal Government" -Tillis campaign ad, accessed October 13, 2020
Cal Cunningham
Supporting Cunningham
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Opposing Tillis
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- "Personal Life" - Cunningham Campaign ad, released October 27, 2020
- "On the Ballot" - Cunningham campaign ad, released October 13, 2020
Satellite group ads
Opposing Tillis
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Opposing Cunningham
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Noteworthy events
On October 2, 2020, Tillis released a statement announcing he had tested positive for coronavirus. He said, “I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I’ve been in close contact with. Thankfully, I have no symptoms and I feel well.”[50]
Cunningham tweeted: “I'm wishing @SenThomTillis a quick recovery following his positive COVID-19 test, and am thinking of him and his family. Because I was with Senator Tillis recently on the debate stage, I will also get tested.”[61] His campaign later said he tested negative.[62]
Tillis’ positive test result came the day after President Donald Trump (R) announced he had tested positive. To read more about elected officials tested at this time, click here.
Cunningham confirms allegations of infidelity
On October 2, 2020, Cunningham confirmed he had sent sexual text messages to Arlene Guzman Todd, a woman who is not his wife. The text messages had been published by National File the day before.[63]
Cunningham said in a statement: "I have hurt my family, disappointed my friends, and am deeply sorry." He went on to say, “I remain grateful and humbled by the ongoing support that North Carolinians have extended in this campaign, and in the remaining weeks before this election I will continue to work to earn the opportunity to fight for the people of our state.”[51]
In Tillis’ first television interview after his coronavirus diagnosis, he said, “On the debate stage last week, Cal said it’s about integrity and I agree. His family should be kept private, he’s got teenage children, but Cal owes North Carolinians—all the voters—a full and thorough explanation.”[64]
Debates and forums
September 14 debate
On September 14, 2020, Tillis and Cunningham participated in a debate hosted by WRAL-TV in Raleigh.
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Click the links below for roundups of the debate from:
Campaign themes
- See also: Campaign themes
Thom Tillis
Tillis' campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Most politicians think they work for the DC insiders who fund their campaigns, and forget they represent you. Well, it’s safe to say that I’m a little different. I’m not a career politician. I know that my job is fighting for your job. Here’s why: I grew up living in a big family with five brothers and sisters. I had two strong parents who would relocate to wherever they could to find work and to provide for our family. From a rental house in Louisiana, to trailer parks in Florida and Tennessee, we moved seven times before I was sixteen, living paycheck to paycheck. But I learned a lot during my childhood. I watched my parents work for everything they earned and it instilled in me a work ethic that would inspire me for the rest of my life. It taught me to never give up, no matter how tough things seemed. At age 11, I became a newspaper delivery boy and I ran my route 7 days a week. On Sunday mornings, my dad would get up at 5 AM to help me fold the Sunday edition, pack my bike, and send me on my way. Being a paperboy was my first real experience with a job. I loved the responsibility and the freedom that came with it, and I never stopped working again. When I graduated from high school I couldn’t afford college so I volunteered for the Air Force. However, a month before I was supposed to ship off to basic training, I got in a car accident and my dream of serving our country in the armed services was dashed. Unsure of what to do next, I did what my parents had always taught me to do: Work. I got a job as a warehouse clerk and worked my way through night school. I ended up going to five different institutions to finish my college degree over 18 years, all the while raising a family with the love of my life, my wife Susan. Because of the opportunities provided to me by our great country, I worked my way up in high tech to become a partner at IBM. And now I have the honor and privilege of being your voice in the Senate where I’m working to provide you with the chance to achieve your American Dream. As I look back at my upbringing, I realize it was a struggle. Every day was a battle but to be honest, I didn’t really know it. It’s just what we had to do. I’m proud of my family who beat the odds, and I’m glad I went through it because many folks across North Carolina are in the fight of their lives right now, and they want a leader who understands their challenges—someone who has been there. For those of you who may have lost your job, for those of you whose grocery bags aren’t quite as full these days, and for those of you who are sitting at the kitchen table each night after you put your kids to bed trying to figure out how you’ll make it – You are what drives me to serve and I will never stop fighting for you. I grew up with strong parents and humble people in humble places, and I take a little humility to the U.S. Senate, where it’s in short supply. This virus may have wrecked our economy, but we will build it back stronger than ever. And because of the experiences that shaped me, I’ll always remember who needs it the most. [65] |
” |
| —Thom Tillis' campaign website (2020)[66] | ||
Cal Cunningham
Cunningham’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Here are Cal’s priorities as North Carolina’s next Senator. As he travels the state meeting with North Carolinians, Cal will seek input and feedback on the issues that matter most to folks across the state, which will help guide his vision for moving our state forward. Lower Cost, Accessible Health Care Cal knows our health care system isn’t perfect and there are real issues Congress needs to work together to fix. In the Senate, Cal will fight to strengthen and extend coverage under the Affordable Care Act, expand Medicaid in North Carolina, create a public health insurance option, support rural hospitals, address doctor shortages, support life-saving research to prevent and treat diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS, and ensure no one loses their employer-sponsored coverage who wants to keep it. Cal will also work to lower the cost of prescription drugs through efforts like allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies. Cal will oppose any effort in Washington to cut Medicare benefits, and he will stand up against the politicians and special interests that want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, gut protections for people who have a pre-existing medical condition, and allow big insurance companies to impose what the AARP calls an “age tax” on older North Carolinians that could cost them thousands of dollars more. In the Senate, Cal will also do everything he can to stop the dangerous lawsuit pushed forward by Washington Republicans that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act and its protections. Cal has been endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare for his commitment to protecting these vital programs. Economic Opportunity for All Cal will fight for a more equitable economy and living wage in every community by standing with workers to support efforts to promote good-paying full-time jobs with benefits, rein in the cost of higher education and health care, defend workplace protections, and finally raise the minimum wage. And at a time when women in North Carolina and across the country still don’t earn equal pay for equal work, Cal will support efforts to close the wage gap and ensure paycheck fairness for all women. Agriculture is one of the most important parts of North Carolina’s economy, and Cal will work in the Senate to defend North Carolina’s farming families against reckless tariffs and revitalize rural communities through economic development and investments in priorities like expanding access to rural broadband. Cal recognizes that too many communities across North Carolina have seen generations of economic inequality due to institutionalized racial discrimination and the resulting disparities in inter-generational wealth. He believes we need innovative policies that break down historical barriers and encourage capital investment in communities of color and minority-owned businesses to reverse the legacy of economic injustice. Cal also believes we need to make investments in our nation’s infrastructure, in the research and development that drives innovation, in North Carolina’s growing technology and biotechnology sectors, and in our human capital by supporting strong public education. Cal has been endorsed by a number of professional organizations that share his commitment to growing the middle class including: NC State AFL-CIO, Communications Workers Of America Local 3611, International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers & Carolinas Electrical Workers Association, the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina, Teamsters Local 391, and UNITE HERE Local 23. Improving Education Cal will fight to pay teachers what they deserve, to develop, respect, and strengthen the profession, and to recruit, train, and retain the best educators for our students. This means doing more to make sure the profession is reflective of the diversity of the students and families it serves, with particular emphasis on recruiting African American and Latinx people into the profession. Cal also knows how critical it is that our students have the support they need to pursue their dreams, and Cal supports a national strategy to invest in opportunity through public schools including by fully funding Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to provide schools the resources they need to succeed and close significant funding gaps between districts. In addition, rural districts need stable and reliable funding to deliver supplemental support services to meet their special needs. Cal also supports investment in specialized instructional support personnel — the counselors, psychologists, and other professionals—who address children’s unique academic and developmental needs, so every child can thrive in school. Cal is a longtime supporter of early childhood education, including having voted in the state Senate to start what is now North Carolina Pre-K, and is committed to investment in our children through Head Start and other early childhood programs that address the needs of the whole child. To build capacity to deliver early childhood education, we need to develop a more robust pipeline of early childhood educators. The opportunity to pursue higher education should be available to anyone who seeks it and not just a privilege for those who can afford it. In the Senate, Cal will lead the fight to lower the cost of college, expand access to community college and technical training, and reduce the burden of student loan debt. North Carolina also has a proud tradition of strong public universities and our Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a critical part of our higher education system. Cal will work to ensure the federal government increases investment and support for these important institutions. Cal is also proud of the policy work his wife Elizabeth has done to advance high-quality public education in North Carolina. He trusts the education of his own two children to the public schools of North Carolina and wants all of North Carolina’s children to experience the best our state’s public schools have to offer. Cal is proud to have the endorsement of the North Carolina Association of Educators in his campaign. Taking on Climate Change & Protecting North Carolina’s Environment North Carolina has also seen coal ash spills, drinking water tainted by GenX, and rapid loss of open space, and Cal believes we need to do more to protect North Carolina’s environment and natural resources. As a State Senator, Cal helped pass landmark clean air legislation that reduced harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants by over 80%, and key land preservation legislation. In the private sector, Cal represented clients exposed to environmental hazards in the workplace and worked for an award-winning environmental company in Raleigh. Cal is proud to have been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club for his strong commitment to fighting climate change and building a clean energy economy. Protecting Women’s Health & Rights Cal is proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood and NARAL for his commitment to protecting women’s health care. Preventing Gun Violence Cal believes there are commonsense steps we can take to protect our communities from gun violence while protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Cal will work to keep our kids safe and to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, criminals, and terrorists by supporting efforts to expand background checks, ban the sale of high-capacity magazines, pass extreme risk laws, and fund gun violence research on an issue that has become a public health crisis. He is also proud of his work on Governor Cooper’s Crime Commission creating recommendations to curb the risk of school shootings. Cal has been endorsed by Brady and Giffords, two groups leading the fight to prevent gun violence. Fixing Our Broken Immigration System Cal believes we must pass comprehensive immigration reform that fixes our broken system and modernizes it for the economy of today, grows North Carolina’s economy, protects DREAMers, and provides a fair pathway to citizenship. Instead of separating families and caging children, we should be investing in the necessary technology and trained staff to secure our borders. What we need are leaders with the courage to reject the politics of fear and work across party lines to pass comprehensive reform. Reforming Broken Washington As North Carolina’s next Senator, Cal will fight for campaign finance reform, fair maps, independent redistricting, and a political system that empowers voters to make their voices heard. Cal has pledged not to accept any corporate PAC money, and he supports overturning the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision that has allowed unlimited dark money to pour into our elections. He also believes the Senate should reform the filibuster rule that is too often abused by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to promote gridlock and stop votes on important legislation that would help North Carolina’s hardworking families. Cal has personally pledged never to become a lobbyist after serving in the Senate and believes we need to end that revolving door. Cal is proud to have been endorsed by End Citizens United and the Voter Protection Project because of his strong support for fixing our democracy and getting big money out of politics. Respecting Our Veterans Cal is an Army veteran who has served three active duty tours, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, and still serves in the Army Reserves. Looking out for North Carolina’s veterans and military families is personal to him. Military service is also part of North Carolina’s DNA, and our leaders in Washington should be unwavering in their support of our service members and military families. To Cal, that means fighting for military project funding in North Carolina, working to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs runs efficiently and leaves no veteran behind, supporting our troops who are wrestling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in order to lower the suicide rate among those who served, and expanding educational and job opportunities for veterans when they return to civilian life. In particular, the VA needs additional resources to support the growing ranks of women who serve, including to address incidences of domestic and sexual assault. Cal is proud to be endorsed by VoteVets and Serve America PAC, two groups committed to electing more veterans to elected services. Protecting and Expanding Voting Rights Cal supports efforts to expand access to voting and prevent voter suppression, like restoring the Voting Rights Act, extending early voting, and making it easier to register to vote by enacting reforms like automatic voter registration and making Election Day a federal holiday. He will also oppose efforts that restrict the right to vote, like unnecessarily purging voters from the rolls. Cal is endorsed by the Voter Protection Project because of his commitment to making sure every eligible North Carolinian has the right to cast a ballot. Equal Rights For Cal, that means standing with the LGBTQI community and communities of color in the fight against regressive policies. Cal supports advancing the long-overdue passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), passing the Equality Act to protect LGBTQI North Carolinians from discrimination in housing and the workplace, reforming our criminal justice system, and restoring the Voting Rights Act so that our elected representatives reflect the will of the people. Cal also believes we need vigorous enforcement of our nation’s civil rights laws to tear down the vestiges of discrimination and open the doors of opportunity to all North Carolinians. Cal is proud to be endorsed by Equality NC and the Human Rights Campaign. Reforming our Criminal Justice System Because prisons and jails are not a substitute for mental health and substance abuse services, Cal is in favor of refocusing efforts on preventing violent crime instead of locking up people who, more than anything, need mental health or addiction treatment. Cal draws inspiration from the recommendations in the Task Force on Twenty-First Century Policing for ways to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves. We should also work to reduce recidivism by investing in programs and supports that give people who have paid their debt to society the opportunity to re-enter their communities with dignity and contribute to their families and neighborhoods. Cal also supports innovations in restorative justice, curbing the abuse of cash bail, eliminating for-profit prisons, and allowing states to develop their own regulation and taxation of cannabis, while putting resources into public health and substance abuse treatment. As a former Army prosecutor who litigated cases of sexual assault and as a former Vice Chairman of Governor Cooper’s Crime Commission, Cal understands that too often, our justice system has failed many North Carolinians, especially young people of color and those with limited means. Cal is proud of his work on the Governor’s Crime Commission, where he served as chair of the Task Force to Improve Staffing and Security in North Carolina’s Prisons. He also helped lead the Commission’s work to address the “school-to-prison pipeline” and advocated for better funding and coordination of multi-disciplinary programs to support at-risk youth. Keeping Our Country Safe After the attacks on September 11, 2001, Cal volunteered to join the U.S. Army Reserve and has since served three active duty tours, including overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, in part for groundbreaking work prosecuting contractors for criminal misconduct, and the last three years he has trained special operations forces at Fort Bragg. As someone who served and who comes from a long line of veterans, he understands the consequences that a reckless foreign policy can have on our military personnel and their families. Whether it’s investing in securing our electric grid, bolstering cybersecurity, or defending our elections against foreign interference, Cal believes we need a strong national defense that is focused on what we need to do to protect ourselves in the 21st century. As North Carolina’s next Senator, Cal will work to invest in the training and professional development of our service members who keep us safe and secure around the world, and he will never allow military project funding that benefits troops and their families to be raided by politicians in Washington for partisan purposes. Cal is proud to be endorsed by foreign policy groups like the Foreign Policy for American Action Network. [65] |
” |
| —Cal Cunningham’s campaign website (2020)[67] | ||
Pivot Counties
- See also: Pivot Counties by state
Six of 100 North Carolina counties—6 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.
| Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County | Trump margin of victory in 2016 | Obama margin of victory in 2012 | Obama margin of victory in 2008 | ||||
| Bladen County, North Carolina | 9.39% | 1.97% | 2.07% | ||||
| Gates County, North Carolina | 9.07% | 4.11% | 5.22% | ||||
| Granville County, North Carolina | 2.49% | 4.54% | 6.58% | ||||
| Martin County, North Carolina | 0.43% | 4.65% | 4.64% | ||||
| Richmond County, North Carolina | 9.74% | 2.95% | 1.50% | ||||
| Robeson County, North Carolina | 4.27% | 17.41% | 13.78% | ||||
In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won North Carolina with 49.8 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 46.2 percent. In presidential elections between 1792 and 2016, North Carolina voted Democratic 53.5 percent of the time and Republican 25 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, North Carolina voted Republican all five times with the exception of the 2008 presidential election.[68]
Presidential results by legislative district
The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in North Carolina. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[69][70]
| In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 40 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 38.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 44 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 36.4 points. Clinton won three districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections. |
| In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 80 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 22.7 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 76 out of 120 state House districts in North Carolina with an average margin of victory of 27.7 points. Trump won five districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections. |
| 2016 presidential results by state House district | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District | Obama | Romney | 2012 Margin | Clinton | Trump | 2016 Margin | Party Control |
| 1 | 39.07% | 59.75% | R+20.7 | 32.23% | 64.86% | R+32.6 | R |
| 2 | 45.36% | 53.77% | R+8.4 | 41.98% | 55.70% | R+13.7 | R |
| 3 | 39.50% | 59.71% | R+20.2 | 37.03% | 60.71% | R+23.7 | R |
| 4 | 34.52% | 64.80% | R+30.3 | 32.81% | 65.32% | R+32.5 | R |
| 5 | 66.40% | 33.04% | D+33.4 | 60.73% | 37.68% | D+23.1 | D |
| 6 | 41.31% | 57.70% | R+16.4 | 37.74% | 59.79% | R+22 | R |
| 7 | 61.12% | 38.34% | D+22.8 | 59.67% | 38.69% | D+21 | D |
| 8 | 44.59% | 54.67% | R+10.1 | 44.25% | 53.51% | R+9.3 | R |
| 9 | 43.79% | 55.31% | R+11.5 | 44.05% | 52.81% | R+8.8 | R |
| 10 | 32.61% | 66.71% | R+34.1 | 31.37% | 66.58% | R+35.2 | R |
| 11 | 62.10% | 35.81% | D+26.3 | 65.41% | 29.85% | D+35.6 | D |
| 12 | 57.29% | 42.15% | D+15.1 | 53.64% | 44.58% | D+9.1 | D |
| 13 | 31.14% | 67.96% | R+36.8 | 28.23% | 69.48% | R+41.2 | R |
| 14 | 39.87% | 59.05% | R+19.2 | 35.26% | 61.20% | R+25.9 | R |
| 15 | 34.90% | 63.92% | R+29 | 28.94% | 67.59% | R+38.7 | R |
| 16 | 36.25% | 62.86% | R+26.6 | 31.07% | 66.35% | R+35.3 | R |
| 17 | 36.26% | 62.94% | R+26.7 | 32.62% | 65.00% | R+32.4 | R |
| 18 | 62.39% | 36.46% | D+25.9 | 56.14% | 40.55% | D+15.6 | D |
| 19 | 40.85% | 57.94% | R+17.1 | 41.19% | 55.45% | R+14.3 | R |
| 20 | 39.49% | 59.33% | R+19.8 | 40.58% | 55.60% | R+15 | R |
| 21 | 65.25% | 34.32% | D+30.9 | 62.68% | 35.99% | D+26.7 | D |
| 22 | 43.73% | 55.60% | R+11.9 | 39.83% | 58.67% | R+18.8 | D |
| 23 | 62.89% | 36.74% | D+26.2 | 60.17% | 38.60% | D+21.6 | D |
| 24 | 74.47% | 25.04% | D+49.4 | 72.60% | 25.66% | D+46.9 | D |
| 25 | 38.23% | 60.96% | R+22.7 | 35.91% | 61.84% | R+25.9 | R |
| 26 | 38.98% | 59.91% | R+20.9 | 37.76% | 59.07% | R+21.3 | R |
| 27 | 66.33% | 33.28% | D+33 | 62.75% | 36.15% | D+26.6 | D |
| 28 | 32.52% | 66.58% | R+34.1 | 28.54% | 69.16% | R+40.6 | R |
| 29 | 85.11% | 14.02% | D+71.1 | 88.12% | 9.63% | D+78.5 | D |
| 30 | 70.85% | 28.07% | D+42.8 | 77.30% | 19.61% | D+57.7 | D |
| 31 | 82.65% | 16.65% | D+66 | 83.75% | 14.17% | D+69.6 | D |
| 32 | 65.02% | 34.58% | D+30.4 | 61.76% | 36.76% | D+25 | D |
| 33 | 81.34% | 17.53% | D+63.8 | 81.09% | 15.94% | D+65.2 | D |
| 34 | 62.78% | 35.76% | D+27 | 67.28% | 28.80% | D+38.5 | D |
| 35 | 44.44% | 54.51% | R+10.1 | 47.51% | 49.16% | R+1.7 | R |
| 36 | 44.86% | 53.90% | R+9 | 50.19% | 45.86% | D+4.3 | R |
| 37 | 42.89% | 55.76% | R+12.9 | 44.58% | 51.08% | R+6.5 | R |
| 38 | 78.90% | 20.26% | D+58.6 | 78.47% | 19.01% | D+59.5 | D |
| 39 | 57.12% | 41.74% | D+15.4 | 57.85% | 38.85% | D+19 | D |
| 40 | 46.18% | 52.52% | R+6.3 | 52.39% | 43.60% | D+8.8 | D |
| 41 | 50.04% | 48.63% | D+1.4 | 57.26% | 38.74% | D+18.5 | D |
| 42 | 73.16% | 26.19% | D+47 | 71.85% | 25.66% | D+46.2 | D |
| 43 | 67.66% | 31.73% | D+35.9 | 64.79% | 32.77% | D+32 | D |
| 44 | 51.66% | 47.45% | D+4.2 | 50.97% | 45.97% | D+5 | D |
| 45 | 43.67% | 55.55% | R+11.9 | 39.47% | 57.82% | R+18.3 | R |
| 46 | 42.45% | 56.86% | R+14.4 | 35.55% | 63.04% | R+27.5 | R |
| 47 | 58.64% | 40.32% | D+18.3 | 45.40% | 52.38% | R+7 | D |
| 48 | 67.88% | 31.42% | D+36.5 | 60.08% | 38.08% | D+22 | D |
| 49 | 46.75% | 52.19% | R+5.4 | 54.02% | 42.19% | D+11.8 | D |
| 50 | 57.85% | 40.99% | D+16.9 | 58.33% | 38.67% | D+19.7 | D |
| 51 | 40.42% | 58.52% | R+18.1 | 36.86% | 60.20% | R+23.3 | R |
| 52 | 36.18% | 63.11% | R+26.9 | 34.94% | 62.15% | R+27.2 | R |
| 53 | 40.43% | 58.68% | R+18.2 | 37.83% | 59.61% | R+21.8 | R |
| 54 | 52.55% | 46.52% | D+6 | 53.78% | 43.36% | D+10.4 | D |
| 55 | 39.63% | 59.55% | R+19.9 | 33.67% | 64.12% | R+30.5 | R |
| 56 | 76.58% | 21.93% | D+54.7 | 81.22% | 15.78% | D+65.4 | D |
| 57 | 73.72% | 25.56% | D+48.2 | 73.89% | 23.97% | D+49.9 | D |
| 58 | 77.83% | 21.42% | D+56.4 | 78.39% | 19.21% | D+59.2 | D |
| 59 | 40.94% | 58.07% | R+17.1 | 43.10% | 54.02% | R+10.9 | R |
| 60 | 78.79% | 20.56% | D+58.2 | 77.66% | 20.26% | D+57.4 | D |
| 61 | 41.22% | 57.90% | R+16.7 | 43.79% | 53.30% | R+9.5 | R |
| 62 | 43.41% | 55.66% | R+12.2 | 46.55% | 50.23% | R+3.7 | R |
| 63 | 43.77% | 55.31% | R+11.5 | 43.91% | 53.48% | R+9.6 | R |
| 64 | 41.50% | 57.66% | R+16.2 | 40.64% | 56.88% | R+16.2 | R |
| 65 | 39.24% | 59.93% | R+20.7 | 34.18% | 63.90% | R+29.7 | R |
| 66 | 50.14% | 49.07% | D+1.1 | 44.86% | 52.75% | R+7.9 | D |
| 67 | 31.16% | 67.81% | R+36.6 | 25.66% | 72.18% | R+46.5 | R |
| 68 | 36.03% | 63.07% | R+27 | 36.68% | 59.73% | R+23.1 | R |
| 69 | 36.47% | 62.53% | R+26.1 | 34.32% | 62.55% | R+28.2 | R |
| 70 | 25.89% | 73.02% | R+47.1 | 22.47% | 75.21% | R+52.7 | R |
| 71 | 73.71% | 25.48% | D+48.2 | 72.37% | 24.90% | D+47.5 | D |
| 72 | 70.87% | 28.46% | D+42.4 | 72.50% | 24.96% | D+47.5 | D |
| 73 | 25.05% | 73.49% | R+48.4 | 19.25% | 78.41% | R+59.2 | R |
| 74 | 39.29% | 59.69% | R+20.4 | 40.06% | 56.70% | R+16.6 | R |
| 75 | 42.46% | 56.51% | R+14.1 | 44.27% | 52.43% | R+8.2 | R |
| 76 | 32.63% | 66.25% | R+33.6 | 26.49% | 71.30% | R+44.8 | R |
| 77 | 37.74% | 61.25% | R+23.5 | 32.03% | 65.52% | R+33.5 | R |
| 78 | 24.09% | 74.93% | R+50.8 | 19.67% | 78.28% | R+58.6 | R |
| 79 | 33.69% | 65.34% | R+31.7 | 33.43% | 63.34% | R+29.9 | R |
| 80 | 26.50% | 72.43% | R+45.9 | 22.95% | 74.61% | R+51.7 | R |
| 81 | 31.87% | 67.00% | R+35.1 | 25.84% | 71.60% | R+45.8 | R |
| 82 | 41.86% | 57.06% | R+15.2 | 43.08% | 53.51% | R+10.4 | R |
| 83 | 40.29% | 58.67% | R+18.4 | 38.03% | 59.11% | R+21.1 | R |
| 84 | 34.47% | 64.56% | R+30.1 | 29.74% | 68.05% | R+38.3 | R |
| 85 | 29.12% | 69.71% | R+40.6 | 22.21% | 75.83% | R+53.6 | R |
| 86 | 38.15% | 60.64% | R+22.5 | 30.31% | 67.09% | R+36.8 | R |
| 87 | 31.49% | 67.12% | R+35.6 | 23.47% | 74.16% | R+50.7 | R |
| 88 | 45.63% | 53.22% | R+7.6 | 54.80% | 40.57% | D+14.2 | D |
| 89 | 32.82% | 66.05% | R+33.2 | 26.16% | 71.32% | R+45.2 | R |
| 90 | 30.65% | 68.17% | R+37.5 | 23.14% | 74.57% | R+51.4 | R |
| 91 | 35.21% | 63.69% | R+28.5 | 28.79% | 68.75% | R+40 | R |
| 92 | 52.61% | 46.42% | D+6.2 | 55.42% | 40.77% | D+14.7 | D |
| 93 | 42.77% | 55.22% | R+12.5 | 41.58% | 54.48% | R+12.9 | R |
| 94 | 29.16% | 69.58% | R+40.4 | 22.48% | 75.35% | R+52.9 | R |
| 95 | 34.05% | 64.95% | R+30.9 | 30.76% | 66.16% | R+35.4 | R |
| 96 | 36.56% | 62.36% | R+25.8 | 33.21% | 63.78% | R+30.6 | R |
| 97 | 30.07% | 68.92% | R+38.9 | 24.95% | 72.61% | R+47.7 | R |
| 98 | 43.13% | 55.96% | R+12.8 | 47.37% | 48.84% | R+1.5 | R |
| 99 | 82.32% | 17.15% | D+65.2 | 80.97% | 16.82% | D+64.1 | D |
| 100 | 73.70% | 25.10% | D+48.6 | 73.96% | 22.47% | D+51.5 | D |
| 101 | 74.92% | 24.37% | D+50.6 | 75.11% | 22.40% | D+52.7 | D |
| 102 | 83.35% | 15.90% | D+67.4 | 80.04% | 16.78% | D+63.3 | D |
| 103 | 44.46% | 54.49% | R+10 | 47.72% | 49.05% | R+1.3 | R |
| 104 | 43.47% | 55.67% | R+12.2 | 52.29% | 43.74% | D+8.5 | R |
| 105 | 42.40% | 56.77% | R+14.4 | 49.86% | 46.71% | D+3.1 | R |
| 106 | 85.84% | 13.48% | D+72.4 | 84.91% | 13.08% | D+71.8 | D |
| 107 | 80.29% | 18.93% | D+61.4 | 78.80% | 18.56% | D+60.2 | D |
| 108 | 38.42% | 60.50% | R+22.1 | 34.04% | 63.24% | R+29.2 | R |
| 109 | 40.80% | 58.27% | R+17.5 | 37.73% | 59.48% | R+21.7 | R |
| 110 | 35.30% | 63.74% | R+28.4 | 30.10% | 67.87% | R+37.8 | R |
| 111 | 35.81% | 63.24% | R+27.4 | 29.81% | 68.35% | R+38.5 | R |
| 112 | 32.80% | 66.12% | R+33.3 | 24.47% | 73.43% | R+49 | R |
| 113 | 37.58% | 61.29% | R+23.7 | 34.83% | 62.59% | R+27.8 | R |
| 114 | 73.38% | 25.18% | D+48.2 | 73.93% | 23.07% | D+50.9 | D |
| 115 | 48.12% | 50.52% | R+2.4 | 47.29% | 49.54% | R+2.2 | D |
| 116 | 43.61% | 55.12% | R+11.5 | 44.41% | 52.24% | R+7.8 | D |
| 117 | 36.77% | 62.07% | R+25.3 | 35.57% | 61.42% | R+25.8 | R |
| 118 | 41.50% | 57.02% | R+15.5 | 32.52% | 64.60% | R+32.1 | R |
| 119 | 47.93% | 50.40% | R+2.5 | 40.80% | 55.45% | R+14.7 | R |
| 120 | 30.12% | 68.56% | R+38.4 | 23.73% | 73.79% | R+50.1 | R |
| Total | 48.48% | 50.53% | R+2 | 46.76% | 50.46% | R+3.7 | - |
| Source: Daily Kos | |||||||
Ballot access requirements
The table below details filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates in North Carolina in the 2020 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in North Carolina, click here.
| Filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Office | Party | Signatures required | Signature formula | Filing fee | Filing fee formula | Filing deadline | Source |
| North Carolina | U.S. Senate | Recognized party | N/A | N/A | $1,740.00 | 1% of annual salary | 12/20/2019 | Source |
| North Carolina | U.S. Senate | Unaffiliated | 71,545 | 1.5% of all votes cast for governor in the last election | $1,740.00 | 1% of annual salary | 3/3/2020 | Source |
Election history
2016
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Richard Burr Incumbent |
51.1% | 2,395,376 | |
| Democratic | Deborah Ross | 45.4% | 2,128,165 | |
| Libertarian | Sean Haugh | 3.6% | 167,592 | |
| Total Votes | 4,691,133 | |||
| Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections | ||||
2014
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kay Hagan Incumbent | 47.3% | 1,377,651 | |
| Republican | Thom Tillis |
48.8% | 1,423,259 | |
| Libertarian | Sean Haugh | 3.7% | 109,100 | |
| Write-in | John Rhodes | 0% | 621 | |
| Write-in | David Waddell | 0% | 201 | |
| Write-in | Barry Gurney | 0% | 142 | |
| Write-in | Write-in (miscellaneous) | 0.1% | 4,307 | |
| Total Votes | 2,915,281 | |||
| Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections | ||||
2010
On November 2, 2010, Richard Burr (R) won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Elaine Marshall (D) and Michael Beitler (L) in the general election.[71]
| U.S. Senate, North Carolina General Election, 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Richard Burr incumbent |
54.8% | 1,458,046 | |
| Democratic | Elaine Marshall | 43% | 1,145,074 | |
| Libertarian | Michael Beitler | 2.1% | 55,687 | |
| N/A | Write-in | 0% | 1,272 | |
| Total Votes | 2,660,079 | |||
See also
- United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina, 2020
- United States Senate elections, 2020
Footnotes
- ↑ Open Secrets, "North Carolina Senate race blows away spending records," October 13, 2020
- ↑ Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
- ↑ This poll used a credibility interval as opposed to a margin of error.
- ↑ Suffolk University, "SUPRC Polling In Other States," accessed September 23, 2020
- ↑ Fundraising by primary candidates can be found on the race's respective primary election page. Fundraising by general election candidates can be found on the race's general election page.
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "2022 Quarterly Reports," accessed March 2, 2022
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Indy Star, "2020 Endorsements: US House and Senate," October 14, 2020
- ↑ Politico, "Trump endorses Tillis in North Carolina," June 25, 2019
- ↑ Twitter, "Cal Cunningham on August 7, 2020," accessed October 2, 2020
- ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2020 Rating Changes," November 2, 2020
- ↑ Morning Consult, "2020 U.S. Election Tracker: Morning Consult's Final Results Before Election Day," November 2, 2020
- ↑ Compete, "Fresh polling from 3 swing states shows Biden poised for win," November 2, 2020
- ↑ Ipsos, "PUBLIC POLL FINDINGS AND METHODOLOGY," November 2, 2020
- ↑ Emerson College, "Super Poll Sunday: Democrats within Striking Distance in Key Southern States," November 1, 2020
- ↑ Data for Progress, "Report," November 1, 2020
- ↑ CNN, "STATE POLL 5 - NC," October 31, 2020
- ↑ Swayable, "SWAYABLE POLLING FOR 2020 PRESIDENTIAL, SENATORIAL AND GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS," October 30, 2020
- ↑ The North State Journal, "VOTER PREFERENCE SURVEY," October 30, 2020
- ↑ Rasmussen Reports, "North Carolina Senate: Cunningham (D) 47%, Tillis (R) 44%," October 30, 2020
- ↑ East Carolina University, "ECU Poll: Biden and Cunningham Hold Slim Leads in North Carolina; Cooper Remains Ahead as Election Day Nears," October 30, 2020
- ↑ NBC News, "NBC News/Marist Poll North Carolina Annotated Questionnaire," October 30, 2020
- ↑ Carolina Partnership for Reform, "Democrats lead Court contests, Council of State races close," October 30, 2020
- ↑ University of Massachusetts Lowell, "Survey of North Carolina Likely Voters," October 29, 2020
- ↑ Siena College, "The New York Times / Siena College Battleground Poll: North Carolina," October 29, 2020
- ↑ Political IQ, "NC Senate: Cunningham (D) 49% Tillis (R) 42%," October 28, 2020
- ↑ Civitas Institute, "Biden with razor thin lead over Trump," October 28, 2020
- ↑ Gravis Marketing, "NC 2020 Poll Results," October 28, 2020
- ↑ SurveyUSA, "Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #25666," October 28, 2020
- ↑ Ipsos, "Trump and Biden remain in close race in North Carolina," October 27, 2020
- ↑ Protect Our Care, "Health Care a Key Issue for North Carolinians; Voters Trust Cunningham Over Tillis to Protect Their Health Care," October 27, 2020
- ↑ CBS News, "CBS News Battleground Tracker – October 20-23, 2020," October 25, 2020
- ↑ Meredith College, "MEREDITH POLL: OCTOBER 2020," October 23, 2020
- ↑ Rasmussen Reports, "North Carolina Senate: Tillis (R) 45%, Cunningham (D) 45%," October 23, 2020
- ↑ Morning Consult, "2020 U.S. Election Tracker: Trump Fails to Make Up Ground in Battleground States; Key Senate Races Are Tightening," October 21, 2020
- ↑ Ipsos, "Biden and Trump remain in a highly contested race in North Carolina," October 20, 2020
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Oct. 12-17, 2020 Post-ABC poll - North Carolina," October 20, 2020
- ↑ Civiqs, "North Carolina survey: October 2020," October 15, 2020
- ↑ Center for American Greatness, "North Carolina Race Tightens According To New Poll," October 14, 2020
- ↑ Siena College/The New York Times, "NC100920 Crosstabs," October 14, 2020
- ↑ Monmouth University, "NORTH CAROLINA: PREZ RACE STAYS TIGHT; DEM SENATE CANDIDATE GAINS," October 13, 2020
- ↑ Ipsos, "Biden and Trump locked in heavily contested race in North Carolina," October 13, 2020
- ↑ Morning Consult, "2020 U.S. Election Tracker: Biden Leads by 9 Points Nationally, America’s Oldest Voters Have Turned on Trump," October 13, 2020
- ↑ SurveyUSA, "Results of SurveyUSA Election Poll #25582," October 12, 2020
- ↑ East Carolina University, "ECU Poll of Likely Voters in North Carolina: Biden leads Trump by four points; Tillis leads Cunningham by one; Cooper leads Forest by thirteen points; Other statewide races competitive.," October 6, 2020
- ↑ Reuters, "PUBLIC POLL FINDINGS AND METHODOLOGY," October 6, 2020
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 Twitter, "Thom Tillis on October 2, 2020," accessed October 13, 2020
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 Twitter, "Joe Bruno on October 2, 2020," accessed October 13, 2020
- ↑ Roll Call, "Rating changes: Collins, Tillis now underdogs, Graham in tougher race," October 1, 2020
- ↑ University of Massachusetts Lowell, "Survey of North Carolina Likely Voters," September 29, 2020
- ↑ Meredith College, "MEREDITH POLL: SEPTEMBER 2020," September 28, 2020
- ↑ CBS News, "Tight races in Georgia and North Carolina, while Supreme Court is another factor — Battleground Tracker," September 27, 2020
- ↑ Harper Polling, "North Carolina Statewide Survey Results," September 17-20, 2020
- ↑ Redfield & Wilton Strategies, "Latest USA Swing State Senate and Governor Voting Intention (12 – 16 September)," September 18, 2020
- ↑ Suffolk University, "Suffolk University/USAT Poll," accessed September 23, 2020
- ↑ Siena College, "The New York Times/Siena College Research Institute Poll - September 11-16, 2020," accessed September 23, 2020
- ↑ Ipsos, "In North Carolina, Trump and Biden tied for the presidency," September 22, 2020
- ↑ Twitter, "Cal Cunningham on October 2, 2020," accessed October 13, 2020
- ↑ CBS 17, "Amid sexually suggestive texting scandal, Senate candidate Cal Cunningham tests negative for COVID-19," October 3, 2020
- ↑ National File, "EXCLUSIVE: North Carolina Democrat Senate Candidate’s Sext Messages With Veteran’s Wife," October 1, 2020
- ↑ Twitter, "Thom Tillis on October 6, 2020," accessed October 13, 2020
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Thom Tillis' campaign website, “Meet Thom,” accessed October 2, 2020
- ↑ Cal Cunningham’s campaign website, “Priorities,” accessed October 2, 2020
- ↑ 270towin.com, "North Carolina," accessed June 1, 2017
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
