Republican incumbent North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis wins a highly-contested race by way of Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham conceding on Tuesday.
“I just called Sen. Tillis to congratulate him on winning reelection to a second term in the U.S. Senate and wished him and his family the best in their continued service in the months and years ahead,” Cunningham said. “The voters have spoken and I respect their decision.”
One of the oddest Senate races in recent U.S. history with a sexting scandal and COVID-19 positive test dominating the headlines over the last month. Cunningham pulled back after news of the scandal hit, canceling public appearances and focusing on a less-traditional approach.
A great deal of the funding was provided by out-of-state organizations backing harsh television attack ads towards Cunningham’s scandal directly.
Tillis is known for his conservative stances on issues mostly siding with President Trump, who suffered from high disapproval ratings in exit polls. Even though, Trump held a majority of rallies in the Tar Heel state since August and came in support of Tillis.
Cunningham made a point to play off the close relationship between Trump and Tillis which didn’t resonated with a majority of voters. Tillis made national news after being one of the senators from the Rose Garden event for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to tests positive for Coronavirus. The now reelected senator refused to wear a mask during the event.
Both candidates launched aggressive attacks against each. Cunningham went after Tillis’ time in Washington and highlighted how his cuts to benefits and slashing funding for education and the Affordable Care Act. Tillis went after the scandal and how Cunningham betrayed his marriage and his service record as a retired military officer.
The one-time huge lead for Cunningham was reduced to a neck-and-neck race in the final days. Tillis winning another six years is a huge addition to the Republicans' plans to retain the Senate. With 98% of precincts reporting, Tillis has 48.7 % to Cunningham’s 47% with a nearly 85,000-vote difference.