NC’s US Senate race is ranked 8th most competitive

North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is moving up in POLITICO’s nationwide rankings.

Previously ranked the 10th most competitive Senate race in the country, the Richard Burr-Deborah Ross match-up is now the 8th most competitive, according to rankings released this week.

“North Carolina was a Senate afterthought earlier this year, but its diversity is prompting Democrats to give Burr’s seat a fresh look as they figure out their fall priorities,” POLITICO wrote, explaining the change. “Priorities USA’s $9 million buy in the state is evidence of that, and Burr has low name identification. Democrats believe the Senate race is within the margin of error.”

Burr has already gone on the offensive, with his campaign routinely criticizing Ross’ actions while leading the state’s branch of the American Civil Liberties Union. Ross’ campaign, meanwhile, has criticized Burr for voting against gun control measures.

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 5:35 PM with the headline "NC’s US Senate race is ranked 8th most competitive."