North Carolina Rep. Wiley Nickel opts out of reelection, eyes 2026 Senate run

Democratic U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel of North Carolina announced that he will not seek reelection due to congressional redistricting by Republican state legislators, which is likely to shift the state's delegation to the right. Nickel plans to consider a U.S. Senate bid for the 2026 election. His decision, along with two other incumbent House Democrats not seeking reelection, is seen as benefiting national Republicans in their efforts to retain a House majority in 2025. Nickel intends to work towards electing Democrats, fighting partisan gerrymandering, and exploring a path forward in the U.S. Senate.