The 1980 United States Senate election in North Carolina was held on November 4, 1980, as part of the nationwide elections to the Senate. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Robert B. Morgan ran for reelection to a second term, but narrowly lost to Republican challenger John P. East.
This was the first time Republicans had won this seat since 1897, and the inauguration of John East marked the first time since Reconstruction that they held both Senate seats simultaneously. East won every western congressional district while losing every eastern one.
Robert Morgan was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
John East was unopposed for the Republican nomination.