• A much-anticipated ad backing Republican House Speaker Thom Tillis for the U.S. Senate nomination from the Karl Rove-founded American Crossroads debuts, initially in the Triangle and Charlotte markets. Incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan fires back.

• GOP U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Greg Brannon releases an ad touting his pro-life credentials. The News & Record notes that the ad makes Brannon’s stance more restrictive than that of Sen. Rand Paul, who has endorsed Brannon.

• Richard Lynch, who’s challenging incumbent Rep. Patrick McHenry for the Republican nomination in the 10th Congressional District, will address the Asheville Tea Party Thursday.

• Catawba County Democrats will hear from Supreme Court candidate Judge Sam “Jimmy” Ervin IV and local Democratic hopefuls at the party’s convention Saturday in Newton.