FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2015 file photo, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Burr is sticking to his low-key style less than three months before his re-election bid despite an unfavorable climate for Republicans and a spirited campaign from his Democratic challenger, Deborah Ross. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr's formula for getting re-elected in November includes touring factories and visiting nonprofits, not large-scale campaign events. He says he won't focus on being a candidate until the Senate adjourns in October.
This low-key style has helped the Republican win several past elections, including two in the Senate.
But his stay-the-course approach will be sorely tested in the year of Donald Trump, a divisive state law limiting anti-discrimination rules for LGBT people and GOP Gov. Pat McCrory's rocky tenure.
His Democratic opponent is former state legislator Deborah Ross. She's traveling the state criticizing Burr on his voting record and for failing to speak forcefully about the state law.
Burr had a significant cash advantage over Ross entering the summer, but Ross has been outraising him recently.
In this photo taken July 5, 2016, North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Deborah Ross speaks at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Charlotte, N.C. Ross is running against Republican Sen. Richard Burr. A Burr defeat would give Senate Democrats a surprise seat as they try to regain the majority. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The Associated Press
In this photo taken July 5, 2016, North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Deborah Ross speaks at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton in Charlotte, N.C. Ross is running against Republican Sen. Richard Burr. A Burr defeat would give Senate Democrats a surprise seat as they try to regain the majority. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2016 file photo Vice Chairman Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., left, and Chairman Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., talk during a hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Burr is sticking to his low-key style less than three months before his re-election bid despite an unfavorable climate for Republicans and a spirited campaign from his Democratic challenger, Deborah Ross. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Associated Press