North Carolina Republican Party chairman Jason Simmons faces a challenge for his job at this weekend's GOP convention, where U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis could also be targeted by party activists. Democrats are canvassing rural North Carolina ahead of the 2026 Senate race against Tillis, but they're also dealing with silence from Roy Cooper on his intentions. Meanwhile in the state legislature, lawmakers are rushing to pass bills on energy policy, immigration, foster care, guns, towing, power grabs targeting Gov. Josh Stein and other hot-button issues ahead of a likely break in July, as tensions simmer over budget disagreements.