Former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper has entered the Senate race in North Carolina, a key battleground state, as he seeks to unseat Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Cooper, who served as governor for two terms, announced his candidacy on Monday, marking a significant move for the Democratic Party in its efforts to flip a GOP-held Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections.
Cooper’s campaign is widely regarded as a major coup for the Democrats, as he was their top recruit in the upcoming elections. His candidacy is seen as a crucial step in the party’s strategy to reduce the Republican majority in the Senate, which currently stands at 53-47. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive and expensive Senate battles of 2026, with Cooper likely to face off against Michael Whatley, the RNC chair, in the general election.
Cooper’s announcement was anticipated by numerous media outlets, including Fox News, which had previously reported on his potential campaign launch. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has already targeted Cooper in digital ads, with their communications director, Joanna Rodriguez, criticizing Cooper as a ‘Democrat lapdog’ who allegedly undermined President Trump and supported radical policies.
Whatley, who received a strong endorsement from President Donald Trump, is seen as the likely GOP candidate against Cooper. Trump, the ultimate kingmaker in GOP politics, has already endorsed Whatley, calling him a ‘fantastic’ candidate for the Tar Heel State. Scott, the RNC chair, has also praised Whatley, emphasizing the state’s longstanding support for Trump and the GOP’s dominance in both Senate seats.
The race is further complicated by the potential involvement of Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who was initially considered to run for Tillis’ seat. However, she recently announced that she would not pursue the Senate seat at this time. Despite this, the competition remains fierce, with both parties recognizing the strategic importance of North Carolina in the broader electoral landscape.
As Cooper’s campaign gains momentum, it highlights the ongoing political battle for influence in North Carolina, a state that has been a key swing region in recent elections. The race is expected to shape the balance of power in the Senate and influence the direction of national politics in the coming years.