Democrats need a net gain of only four seats in order to win control of the U.S. Senate in 2026, and one seat they are desperately trying to flip is in North Carolina – with former, two-term governor Roy Cooper, who just won the Democrat primary Tuesday night.
More from The Hill: Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) won their respective Senate primaries on Tuesday, setting up a November match-up as Democrats eye a pickup opportunity in North Carolina.
The rivals, both of whom were expected to sail through their primaries, are racing to replace Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), whose retirement sent a shock wave through the midterm cycle.
Decision Desk HQ’s polling average of North Carolina Senate surveys shows Cooper, a popular former Democratic governor, ahead with 48 percent support, while Whatley trails with 37 percent. The margin is expected to tighten in the coming months, but adds fuel to Democrats hopes of flipping the seat.
The race is one of just four Senate seats rated by Cook Political Report as a “toss up” in the midterms.
Current RNC Chair Joe Gruters congratulated Whatley, writing, “Congratulations to my friend @WhatleyNC on his primary victory! I’ve seen firsthand how hard Michael works — he’s a true workhorse and a relentless fighter for President Trump and the America First agenda.
“He cares deeply about North Carolina and will put the state FIRST by delivering safer communities, a stronger economy, and secure borders. Republicans are united and ready to win.”
Congratulations to my friend @WhatleyNC on his primary victory! I’ve seen firsthand how hard Michael works — he’s a true workhorse and a relentless fighter for President Trump and the America First agenda.
He cares deeply about North Carolina and will put the state FIRST by… https://t.co/YaqQVi6FIq
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) March 4, 2026
Whatley announced, “Thank you North Carolina! I’m honored to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. Republicans are united. Now the real fight begins. This November, North Carolina voters will have a choice: Safer Communities, Secure Borders, More Jobs and Lower Costs or Roy Cooper’s failed record. Let’s win. 🇺🇸.”
Thank you North Carolina!
I’m honored to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.
Republicans are united. Now the real fight begins.
This November, North Carolina voters will have a choice: Safer Communities, Secure Borders, More Jobs and Lower Costs or… pic.twitter.com/trYMEhu7F2
— Michael Whatley (@WhatleyNC) March 4, 2026
Whatley’s Democrat opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, 68, is making a pitch to voters, claiming he’s going to help reduce costs for them.
It’s time to make stuff cost less — and that change starts in Washington.
We’re full steam ahead until November. Pitch in to help us out: https://t.co/xB8ZRkphXP pic.twitter.com/p2d0JM9fs1
— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) March 4, 2026
Meanwhile, Republicans have been going after Cooper for his record of releasing violent criminals from jail.
🚨🚨MUGSHOT MONDAY 🚨🚨
This is Kevin Williams.
He has been arrested more than 70 TIMES for assault, robbery, indecent exposure, breaking into cars, and more.
He was repeatedly released from jail under Roy Cooper’s North Carolina Courts Commission appointee, Lorrin… pic.twitter.com/CmFkuyNCfL
— Whatley War Room (@whatleywarroom) February 23, 2026
🚨 JUST IN: Former NC Gov. Roy Cooper has WON the Democrat U.S. Senate primary in NC — will face Whatley in November
This is the same man who RAN AWAY when asked why he released Iryna Zarutska’s kiIIer early as Governor.
DON’T SEND THIS GUY TO DC, NC! pic.twitter.com/CKOBiGZb5s
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 4, 2026
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