Former NC Governor Roy Cooper Announces 2026 Senate Run/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has officially launched his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign. The Democrat aims to flip the open seat left by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. Cooper’s entry sets up a high-stakes, nationally watched contest in a crucial battleground state.
Roy Cooper Senate Run – Quick Looks
- Roy Cooper to run for U.S. Senate in 2026
- Targets open seat left by retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis
- Cooper immediately becomes Democratic frontrunner for nomination
- Faces likely GOP rival RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, backed by Trump
- North Carolina race expected to be one of 2026’s most competitive
- Democrats view it as a top Senate pickup opportunity
- Cooper has won statewide office four times over 25 years
- Brings national profile, executive experience, and Democratic base
- Republicans highlight Cooper’s liberal record and past controversies
- Primary elections are scheduled for March 3, 2026
Former NC Governor Roy Cooper Announces 2026 Senate Run
Deep Look
RALEIGH, N.C. — Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched and competitive races in the nation. Cooper, a two-term governor and former attorney general, brings decades of political experience and broad name recognition to a race Democrats are targeting as a critical pickup opportunity.
Cooper declared his run through a video released on social media and his campaign website Monday morning. With Republican Sen. Thom Tillis opting not to seek a third term, the seat is wide open and expected to draw substantial national attention and funding.
A Proven Statewide Winner
At 68, Cooper has been on North Carolina’s statewide ballot numerous times, winning elections as attorney general and then governor — twice defeating Republican opponents in what has become a purple-leaning battleground. Although term-limited from running again for governor, his popularity and ability to appeal to independents make him a formidable Senate contender.
“Roy Cooper is the type of candidate Democrats need in 2026 — a steady leader with a record of delivering for working families,” said one Democratic strategist.
A Crowded Republican Field Backed by Trump
The likely GOP frontrunner is Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Trump publicly endorsed Whatley via Truth Social, calling him a “strong conservative voice” and urging him to run.
Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law and a North Carolina native, declined to seek the seat, leaving Whatley with the Trump-aligned advantage.
Other Republican names may still emerge, but Whatley’s deep party ties and Trump’s backing give him early momentum heading into the March 2026 primary.
A Crucial Battleground
North Carolina has leaned Republican in recent federal contests. Trump won the state by roughly 3 percentage points in 2024, and Democrats haven’t secured a Senate victory there since 2008. Still, the state remains competitive, and Cooper’s candidacy offers Democrats a legitimate shot in a tough Senate map year.
To regain Senate control, Democrats must gain four seats in 2026. North Carolina, with an open seat and a popular Democratic contender, is among the most promising.
A Mixed Record, High Profile
During his eight years as governor, Cooper was known for opposing what he labeled as far-right policies pushed by a Republican-led legislature. He gained national visibility for repealing the state’s controversial “bathroom bill” and steering North Carolina through major hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
His administration also saw notable wins such as Medicaid expansion, a bipartisan clean energy law, and record job growth. However, Republicans argue his tenure was marked by vetoes, overspending at the Department of Transportation, and pandemic-related business restrictions.
Cooper’s stance on abortion rights and school vouchers could also be flashpoints in a general election, with GOP opponents ready to portray him as too liberal for North Carolina.
National Implications and Primary Landscape
Before Tillis announced his retirement in June, Democrats had already urged Cooper to enter the race. With his national profile — he was even floated as a potential VP pick for Kamala Harris in 2024 — Cooper’s candidacy is seen as a major boost for Democrats nationally.
Already in the Democratic primary field is former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel, though Cooper’s entrance will likely shift the dynamic dramatically in his favor. Primary elections in North Carolina are slated for March 3.
“This will be one of the most expensive and closely watched races of the cycle,” said one election analyst. “It’s about more than just one seat — it’s about Senate control.”
A Political Legacy in Motion
Cooper has often positioned himself as a consensus-builder and moderate leader capable of winning in a polarized environment. Still, Republicans see vulnerabilities and are prepared for an aggressive contest.
As the Senate map takes shape, North Carolina will remain front and center. Cooper’s candidacy ensures a high-profile, high-stakes race that could determine the Senate majority in 2026.
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