Roy Cooper, the former North Carolina governor, has taken an early lead in the highly anticipated Senate race, according to the first public poll released Friday. The Emerson College poll shows Cooper with 47 percent support, edging out Republican Michael Whatley at 41 percent, with 12 percent undecided.
Cooper’s candidacy is bolstered by his strong name recognition and favorable public image, which the poll highlights, with most voters viewing him positively. In contrast, Whatley, a first-time candidate, faces challenges in establishing a clear public identity among voters unfamiliar with him.
The North Carolina Senate race is anticipated to be one of the most expensive and competitive contests in the 2026 election cycle. It represents a key offensive target for Democrats, who must gain four Senate seats to reclaim majority control. The race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis is expected to be a major battleground in a deeply divided political landscape.
In the broader context, the poll also reveals the state’s political dynamics, with a split among voters on the generic congressional ballot. While Cooper holds an advantage among independent voters, the race is viewed as tight and contentious, reflecting the polarized nature of the state’s electorate.
Additional polling data from the 2028 presidential primary illustrates the ongoing political competition in North Carolina. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads among Democrats, while Vice President JD Vance dominates the Republican field, underscoring the state’s significance in national politics.
The poll, which was conducted by Emerson College from July 28 through July 30, interviewed 1,000 registered voters and has a margin of error of 3 percent, providing a snapshot of the state’s political landscape as the 2026 race approaches.