Republican Andy Nilsson ends Senate campaign in NC after Trump endorses Whatley

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Andy Nilsson ended his campaign to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. 

The Republican from Winston-Salem announced the move Friday afternoon after seeking the seat to be vacated by Thom Tillis in 2026. He says President Donald Trump endorsing a competitor was a key contributor to the move. 

“I suspended my campaign today for the US Senate from North Carolina. Tough decision, but the money just wasn’t there. Especially after @POTUS endorsed RNC Chair Michael Whatley. Will work to keep the seat conservative.” 

Tillis announced in June he will not seek a third term. Nilsson, a retired businessman launched his campaign when Tillis was still expected to seek re-election and before Cooper started his run. 

In addition to Whatley, former governor Roy Cooper is also actively raising campaign funds. 

Nilsson spoke with QCN in June on his background. 

“I’m not a typical politician,” he said. “Everybody that Roy Cooper has run against in however many elections that he run has been a typical, recycled, swamp-dwelling politician, I’m not. I was 30 years in business until I retired and started coaching high school football, now I’m working with special needs kids, that’s what I do.”