2020 United States Senate election in North Carolina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
2020 United States Senate election in North Carolina

← 2014 November 3, 2020 2026 →

Nominee Thom Tillis Cal Cunningham Party Republican Democrat Popular vote 2,665,598 2,569,965 Percentage 48.7% 46.9%

County results Tillis:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% Cunningham:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. Senator before election Thom Tillis Republican Elected U.S. Senator Thom Tillis Republican

The 2020 United States Senate election in North Carolina was an important vote. People in North Carolina chose their Senator on November 3, 2020. A Senator helps make laws for the whole country. This election was between four main candidates. The main candidates were Thom Tillis (from the Republican Party), Cal Cunningham (from the Democratic Party), Shannon Bray (from the Libertarian Party), and Kevin E. Hayes (from the Constitution Party). Thom Tillis won the election.

What is a Senator?

A Senator is a person who represents their state in the U.S. Congress. There are two Senators from each of the 50 U.S. states. Senators work in Washington, D.C. They vote on new laws and important decisions for the country. They serve for six years.

Choosing the Candidates: Primary Elections

Before the main election, each major party holds a "primary election." This is how parties choose their best candidate. Only people from that party can vote in their primary. The winner of the primary then runs in the big election.

Republican Primary

Four people wanted to be the Republican candidate. Thom Tillis was already the Senator. He won the Republican primary election. He received about 78% of the votes. This meant he would represent the Republican Party in the main election.

Democratic Primary

Five people wanted to be the Democratic candidate. Cal Cunningham won the Democratic primary election. He received about 57% of the votes. He then became the Democratic Party's choice for the main election.

The Main Election Day

The main election happened on November 3, 2020. This was the day people voted for who they wanted as their Senator. Millions of people in North Carolina voted. The main candidates were Thom Tillis and Cal Cunningham. Shannon Bray and Kevin E. Hayes also ran.

Who Won the Election?

After all the votes were counted, Thom Tillis won the election. He received more votes than Cal Cunningham. Many people thought Cal Cunningham might win. But Thom Tillis kept his job as Senator for North Carolina.