US EditionDemocrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley set to face off in key North Carolina Senate race
The open seat created by Sen. Thom Tillis's retirement sets up a pivotal race that could influence Senate control, with spending projected to exceed $1 billion, experts say.
- CNN projects Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley will advance to November for the North Carolina Senate seat, setting up a marquee contest to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
- Amid registration changes, North Carolina hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 2008, but strategists see this seat as a top pickup opportunity this year, with 39% unaffiliated voters shaping the race.
- Campaigns differ: Cooper emphasizes affordability and Medicaid expansion, while Whatley focuses on crime and immigration, with Whatley raising nearly $6.5 million.
- Democrats need to net four seats in November and will almost certainly need to flip Tillis's seat, while strategists say unaffiliated voters and national factors like the president's approval will decide this race.
- Republicans point to Donald Trump's endorsement and Republican operatives say Whatley's expensive path will hinge on economy and president's standing as campaigns pivot to November.
52 Articles
52 Articles
Cooper and Whatley clinch nominations in NC
RALEIGH — Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and ex-Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley each won their party’s U.S. Senate nominations in North Carolina on Tuesday, setting them up for a fall campaign that could determine control of Congress’ upper…
The Toronto Star
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Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley secure US Senate nominations, setting up fierce November election
Former state and national GOP Chair Michael Whatley (left) and former Gov. Roy Cooper are set to face off in November after winning their parties’ U.S. Senate nominations. (Photos by Brandon Kingdollar and Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)North Carolina’s pivotal 2026 U.S. Senate matchup is set, the Associated Press has projected, with former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and former state and national GOP Chairman Michael Whatley easily sewing up their p…
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