Republican Michael Whatley Halts TV Ads in North Carolina Race

Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley has ceased television advertising in North Carolina with less than three weeks remaining before the November 3 election. AdImpact data shows Whatley has no upcoming broadcast time reserved, a move that coincides with a retreat by national Republican groups, including the Senate Leadership Fund, which now view unseating Democrat Roy Cooper as a long shot.

Whatley's campaign described the lull as a temporary pause intended to precede a closing message regarding Cooper's health, though the Cooper campaign dismissed these claims as lies. A poll from the independent think tank Carolina Forward shows former Governor Roy Cooper leading Whatley by double digits. Cooper maintains a significant financial advantage with $18.6 million in future TV reservations, while Republican outside groups have only $4.7 million.

Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC has begun shifting funds from North Carolina to other competitive races as confidence grows that Democrats will flip the seat. Voter concerns center on affordability and the economy, particularly in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Whatley has faced criticism for his perceived failure to secure federal recovery funding, while President Donald Trump's declining job approval ratings are linked to broader Democratic gains in statehouse races.