Former Gov. Roy Cooper Launches Bid for North Carolina Senate

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Thom Tillis (R). Cooper, a popular Democrat who served four terms as state attorney general and two as governor, aims to appeal to middle-class voters in a competitive 2026 race.

His entry strengthens Democratic hopes of flipping the seat, especially after Tillis’s retirement, as he was seen as vulnerable. Cooper faces competition for the Democratic nomination, including from former Rep. Wiley Nickel, though Cooper is favored. On the Republican side, RNC Chair Michael Whatley, backed by former President Trump, is a leading contender for the nomination. The North Carolina Senate race is a key target for Democrats, alongside Maine’s Senate seat, as they seek to gain control of the Senate in 2026.

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