Roy Cooper Leads Whatley in NC Senate Race

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper leads Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley by six points (47% to 41%) in the first major poll of the 2026 Senate race to replace retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who has a 30% approval rating. The Emerson College poll surveyed 1,000 North Carolinians and found 12% remain undecided. Cooper enjoys a significant name recognition and favorability advantage, with 51% viewing him favorably compared to Whatley's 17%, and nearly two-thirds of voters unfamiliar with or unsure about Whatley. Cooper leads among independents by 19 points and among voters under 50 by 25 points, while Whatley leads among those over 50. The generic congressional ballot in North Carolina is closely divided. The race is expected to tighten as Whatley becomes better known, and both parties are coalescing around their respective candidates.