Democratic Party representatives are hosting town hall meetings in the state, including in rural areas where their Republican representatives fail to hold in-person meetings. But the Republican state legislature’s gerrymandering has put 13 out of 14 congressional districts out of reach of Democrats.

Instead, Democratic organizations working in the state, like Volunteer Blue partner All in for NC, are laying the groundwork for a concerted challenge to incumbent Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Tillis’ votes helped confirm such unqualified cabinet nominees as Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The state leans Republican, which means toppling Tillis could be an uphill struggle. Still, a poll by Public Policy Polling found that only 25% of state voters approve of the job he’s doing versus 46% who disapprove.

Looking even further ahead, local organizations are starting to plan to challenge NC U.S. Senator,Ted Budd, who will be up for reelection in 2028.