A popular former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, is expected to announce a bid this summer. The Republicans are banking on an endorsement by President Trump to clear their field.

W ASHINGTON—Centrist Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) said he won’t seek re-election in 2026, less than 24 hours after he voted against a motion to advance President Trump’s tax and spending megabill, drawing public backlash from the president.

Somebody that would really be great is Lara, she grew up there,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked who he would want to replace Tillis in the Senate.