Apr 9, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Former N.C. Rep. Wiley Nickel launching U.S. Senate bid

Andrew Solender

Rep. Wiley Nickel wearing a blue suit and sitting on a chair in front of a black backdrop. — Then-Rep. Wiley Nickel speaks at the D.C. Blockchain Summit in Washington on May 15, 2024. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Former Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) is launching his bid for U.S. Senate on Wednesday morning, the ex-congressman told Axios.

Why it matters: It could set up a contested Democratic primary ahead of what is expected to be one of the most hard-fought Senate elections in 2026.

Democrats are hoping to finally knock off Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and some have looked to former Gov. Roy Cooper as the ideal candidate to do it.
Tillis himself is facing a handful of longshot right-wing primary challengers, with others mulling whether to enter the race.

What to watch: Nickel's official launch is scheduled for 10am ET, he told Axios.

He opted not to run for reelection last year after Republican state legislators redistricted him from a toss-up seat to a solidly Republican one.

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Former N.C. Rep. Wiley Nickel launching U.S. Senate bid

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