The 2002 United States Senate election in North Carolina was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Jesse Helms decided to retire due to health issues. Republican Elizabeth Dole won the open seat. This was the 1st open seat election since 1974. Democratic primary During the primary campaign, Bowles was considered the choice of the party establishment, receiving support from former Governor Jim Hunt and the AFL-CIO. Candidates Dan Blue, State Representative Erskine Bowles, former White House Chief of Staff Cynthia D. Brown, Durham City Councilwoman Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State of North Carolina Results Republican primary Dole was described as the "handpicked" choice of the White House, and received the support of President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, as well as outgoing Senator Jesse Helms. Candidates Elizabeth Dole, former United States Secretary of Labor, former United States Secretary of Transportation, former Assistant to the President for Public Liaison, and wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole James Snyder Jr., former state representative Jim Parker, physician Ada Fisher, physician and activist Results General election Candidates Erskine Bowles (D), former White House Chief of Staff Elizabeth Dole (R), former United States Secretary of Labor, United States Secretary of Transportation, Assistant to the President for Public Liaison, and wife of U.S. Senator Bob Dole Sean Haugh (L) Debates Complete video of debate, October 14, 2002 Complete video of debate, October 19, 2002 Predictions Polling Results See also 2002 United States Senate elections Notes References United States Senate North Carolina 2002