Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel plans to run for Wake County district attorney and launch his campaign as early as Tuesday, a person with direct knowledge of his plans told WRAL on Monday.

Nickel, A Cary Democrat, had been exploring the possibility of a campaign for the county prosecutor role after dropping out of the race for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat, WRAL previously reported. Democrat Lorrin Freeman, Wake’s longtime DA, isn’t seeking reelection.

A Nickel spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Nickel is the only Democratic candidate in the race to have won a major election. Democrats Melanie Shekita and Sherita Walton have also launched campaigns for the seat, which is up for election in November 2026. Shekita is a longtime Wake County prosecuto

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