Hagan, a Democrat, filed her paperwork with the State Board of Elections. She faces a primary challenge from fellow Democrat Will Stewart of Hampstead.

 

As of Monday afternoon, four Republicans had filed for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat. They are:

 

-- Reverend Mark Harris of Raleigh

-- Heather Grant of Wilkesboro

-- Greg Brannon of Raleigh

-- Ted Alexander of Shelby

 

North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis has not yet appeared on the Board of Elections filing list.

 

Political analysts expect the resulting general election for the seat to be one of the most watched -- and most expensive -- in the country. 

 

Democrats see the Hagan seat as key to retaining control of the U.S. Senate in a year widely viewed as treacherous for Democrats like Hagan who voted for the unpopular Affordable Care Act.

 

Republican see the Hagan seat as key to a U.S. Senate takeover. The GOP must pick up six seats net in order to take over control of the chamber.