Former Governor Roy Cooper Launches U.S. Senate Campaign in North Carolina
Former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper announced his U.S. Senate candidacy in North Carolina for the 2026 election, aiming to win a GOP-held seat.
Ex-Gov. Roy Cooper Enters NC Senate Race
Daily Signal
Roy Cooper jumps into North Carolina Senate race to flip GOP seat
Washington Examiner
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, seeking to win a GOP-held seat in the upcoming 2026 election.
- Cooper's entry immediately positions him as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, aiming to succeed retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis and secure a crucial seat.
- His campaign aims to break a significant streak, as Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate race in North Carolina since 2008, making this a crucial target for the party.
- Known for his opposition to extreme Republican policies, Cooper is expected to challenge Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in the anticipated general election.
- State and national Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, quickly rallied support for Cooper, praising him as a strong candidate for the crucial North Carolina seat.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Roy Cooper's Senate bid neutrally, presenting factual details of his announcement, political background, and the race's context. They include perspectives from both Democratic and Republican parties, reporting on their reactions and strategies without adopting a particular narrative or using loaded language.
"Cooper, a Democrat, portrayed his campaign as a fight to save the middle class."
CBS News"Cooper's candidacy is a big recruiting win for Democrats, who see the open seat as a top pick-up opportunity in what will be a challenging year."
ABC News"Cooper’s candidacy is a big recruiting win for Democrats, who see the seat as a top pick-up opportunity in what will be a challenging year."
Associated PressArticles (11)
FAQ
Roy Cooper is considered a strong candidate due to his long history of electoral success in North Carolina, having never lost a race over more than 30 years in state politics and serving two terms as governor. He is also popular statewide and aligns with Democratic efforts to win a GOP-held seat that has been out of their control since 2008.
Cooper emphasizes the fragility of the current middle class in America, criticizing policies that increase national debt, cut health care, and reduce programs for the poor to give tax breaks to billionaires. He positions his campaign as a fight to preserve the middle class and reverse economic inequality.
Roy Cooper is expected to face Michael Whatley, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, who was selected by Republicans to hold the Senate seat left open by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. Whatley has reportedly been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
The seat is a crucial target for Democrats because they have not won a U.S. Senate race in North Carolina since 2008. Flipping this GOP-held seat would be important for the Democrats to gain ground in the Senate and influence national politics.
History
- 2M
5 articles