Cooper commands lead in Senate race, says new poll

Leading candidates in US Senate race are 8 points apart in new CJ poll Cooper tops Whatley 47% to 39% in first Carolina Journal poll of 2026 US Senate race

The first Carolina Journal poll of the likely matchup for North Carolina’s open United States Senate seat next year puts former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper ahead of Republican Michael Whatley 47% to 39%. But the poll also revealed that a large swath of the electorate is unfamiliar with Whatley; a potential opportunity for gains as he becomes better known to voters. Whatley is chairman of the Republican National Committee and former NCGOP chair. W…

Cooper commands lead in Senate race, says new poll

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Former North Carolina Democratic governor Roy Cooper leads Republican challenger Michael Whatley in the 2026 US Senate race. That's according to a new survey of voters conducted by Carolina Journal Polling in partnership with Harper Polling. Cooper vs. Whatley Results showed that 47.3% of voters said they would vote for Cooper if the Senate election were held today while 39.1% said they would vote for Whatley. PREVIOU…