Former NC Gov Roy Cooper Announces 2026 Senate Bid

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his candidacy for the state's open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a highly competitive 2026 race. Cooper, a Democrat with a long record of electoral success in the state, aims to succeed retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis and is widely seen as the favorite to win the Democratic primary. His expected Republican opponent is Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, who has received President Donald Trump's full endorsement. Cooper's campaign emphasizes his pragmatic leadership and policy achievements such as Medicaid expansion and education funding, while Republicans criticize his tenure and policies. This Senate race is considered a key battleground, with Democrats focusing on flipping at least four seats to regain Senate control for the last two years of Trump's second term. The contest is anticipated to be one of the most expensive and closely watched races nationwide in 2026.