Former NC Governor Enters What Could Be One of the Nation’s Most Competitive Senate Races
Big political news for North Carolina this week: Former Governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. After serving two terms as governor and leading the state through some of its most high-profile challenges, Cooper is now stepping into what’s expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
Cooper made the announcement via social media and his campaign website on Monday, positioning himself as the early front-runner for the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
Why This Race Matters
North Carolina has become a political battleground in recent years—and despite being a purple state, Democrats haven’t won a U.S. Senate seat here since 2008. With independent voters often leaning Republican in federal races, Cooper’s candidacy is seen as a major boost for Democrats hoping to flip the seat in 2026.
The race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with hundreds of millions of dollars likely to flood the state’s many media markets. As a known statewide figure, Cooper gives Democrats a strong start in what will be a tough fight to retake the Senate majority.
Cooper’s Time as Governor
As governor, Cooper dealt with a number of major issues, including:
Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic
Responding to Hurricanes Helene and Florence
Repealing the state’s controversial “bathroom bill”
Overseeing a strong period of economic growth
His leadership style has often been described as steady, pragmatic, and focused on bridging divides in a politically diverse state.
Who’s on the Other Side?
The Republican field isn’t locked in yet, but Mike Whatley, the former NC GOP chairman, has received a major nod: Donald Trump’s endorsement. Trump publicly passed on his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for the seat and posted on Truth Social that Whatley “would make an unbelievable Senator.”
So, the race is already heating up—and it’s not even 2025.
Stay tuned for updates as we keep an eye on how this race unfolds and what it means for voters here in Lake Norman and beyond.
