Former Rep. Wiley Nickel Plans Senate Suspension, Eyes Wake County DA Run

Former Congressman Wiley Nickel is reportedly planning to suspend his U.S. Senate campaign to endorse former Governor Roy Cooper, who is expected to officially announce his Senate run soon. Nickel, who served one term in Congress and initially launched his Senate bid in April, is now considering a run for the open Wake County district attorney position. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is also expected to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. Democrats see the North Carolina Senate race as a key opportunity, with Cooper having a strong statewide record and Nickel stepping aside potentially consolidating Democratic support. The general election is anticipated to be highly competitive, with the Cook Political Report rating the race as a toss-up. Nickel has not publicly commented on his plans, but multiple sources have confirmed his intentions to shift focus to the district attorney race while supporting Cooper's Senate bid.