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Former NC Governor Roy Cooper, GOP Chairman Whatley Officially File for US Senate Race
Cooper, who raised over $14 million, emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic crime and border policies as he seeks to replace Sen. Thom Tillis in the 2026 Senate race.
- On Dec. 3, 2025, former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
- Cooper first announced in July 2025 that he would run to flip the seat in the 2026 election, framing his campaign on bipartisanship and citing eight years working with the Republican General Assembly.
- Within 65 days Cooper raised $14.5 million for his Senate bid, while Republican Michael Whatley filed a day earlier with President Trump's endorsement and two other Republicans also filed.
- The race is expected to be one of the nation's most watched Senate contests, with Cooper considered a front-runner in the Democratic primary and set to face Whatley if he wins the primary.
- Cooper's nearly 40 years in state politics give him strong name recognition and fundraising appeal, while Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley supports immigration enforcement and accuses Cooper of being soft on crime.
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Cooper and Whatley vie for North Carolina Senate seat
RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The two men expected to face off in one of the country’s most competitive races in 2026 have officially filed to run. While at least two other Republicans intend to run for North Carolina’s open Senate seat, it is predicted that former RNC Chair Michael Whatley will battle former [...]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left6Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
Factuality
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