Rep. Ellmers won’t run for Senate in North Carolina

{mosads}Ellmers criticizes her party in the statement, saying it needs to “do a much better job listening, connecting, and reaching out to women.”

Few strategists in North Carolina or Washington were expecting
Ellmers to run against Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), though buzz around the congresswoman’s
name had increased some in recent weeks. The seat is a top priority for
Senate Republicans, and could be the one the GOP needs to win to take
back Senate control.

North Carolina state House Speaker Thom Tillis (R) is currently the GOP front-runner, though there have been some early concerns from strategists about his campaign. North Carolina state Senate President Phil Berger (R) and Charlotte-based pastor Mark Harris (R) are both seriously considering a run.