Former Democratic Representative Wiley Nickel has officially launched his campaign to unseat Republican Senator Thom Tillis in the 2026 election. In a campaign launch video released this week, Nickel directly targets Tillis's record, accusing him of contributing to economic instability by supporting policies aligned with former President Donald Trump.
"Thom Tillis is helping Donald Trump tank our economy," Nickel states in the video, signaling a key theme of his campaign. The video highlights concerns about inflation, job losses, and the national debt, linking these issues to Tillis's voting record in the Senate.
Senator Tillis has yet to respond directly to Nickel's accusations, but his office released a statement emphasizing his commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation. The 2026 Senate race in North Carolina is anticipated to be a highly competitive and closely watched contest, with both parties vying for control of the Senate. North Carolina's shifting demographics and status as a swing state make it a crucial battleground in national elections.
Democrat Wiley Nickel Challenges Senator Tillis in 2026
Former North Carolina Representative Wiley Nickel has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, challenging Republican incumbent Thom Tillis. Nickel's campaign launch video criticizes Tillis for allegedly supporting policies that harm the economy. He accuses Tillis of siding with former President Donald Trump on economic issues. The race is expected to be closely watched as North Carolina becomes an increasingly important swing state.