Roy Cooper Wins North Carolina Open U.S. Senate Seat

Former Governor Roy Cooper won North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, defeating Republican Michael Whatley. Cooper becomes the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 2008, securing a crucial seat flip for Democrats in their effort to regain control of the Senate.

Cooper campaigned on affordability and the rising cost of food and energy through his "Make Stuff Cost Less" tour. He focused on the economy, public education, and Medicaid expansion, while rejecting claims from the Trump administration that he failed to assist victims of Hurricane Helene. An East Carolina University poll released shortly before the election showed Cooper leading by 9 percentage points, with strong support among independent, women, and Black voters.

Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chairman who had never held elected office, entered the race with an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Whatley centered his campaign on crime, immigration, and Trump's tax cuts. Despite active campaigning from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Whatley struggled with the president's low approval ratings and a souring economy. National GOP organizations and super PACs redirected funding away from the state in the final weeks as Cooper's lead widened.