Former NC Governor Roy Cooper Announces 2026 Senate Run

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat opening in 2026 following Senator Thom Tillis's retirement, positioning himself as a key Democratic contender in a tightly contested race. Cooper, a two-term governor and former state attorney general with a strong record of winning statewide races even in Republican-leaning environments, criticized Washington politicians for fiscal mismanagement and cuts to social programs in his campaign announcement. The Republican nominee is expected to be Michael Whatley, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee, who has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, highlighting the high stakes and polarized nature of the race. Democrats view Cooper's entry as a major boost in their efforts to pick up seats and regain Senate control amid challenging conditions, including defending other competitive states. The campaign has sparked significant local political fervor, with supporters praising Cooper’s experience and detractors accusing him of socialist policies and incompetence during his governorship. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the 2026 midterms, reflecting broader national political dynamics and the intense battle for Senate majority control.