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D Democratic · U.S. Senate, North Carolina · Nov 3, 2026

Roy
Cooper

Former NC Governor Roy Cooper is the 2026 Democratic candidate for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat.

Researched checked 7 d ago
sources
40
positions
12
endorsements
13
roycooper.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)TikTok(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)YouTube(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Michael Dublin G+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

Roy Cooper is a Democratic politician from Nash County, North Carolina, running for the U.S. Senate seat in the November 3, 2026 general election. He served as governor of North Carolina from 2017 to 2025, when he was succeeded by Josh Stein. [14, 15, 23]

Cooper has a lengthy record in North Carolina public service. He served in the state House of Representatives from 1987 to 1991, the state Senate from 1991 to 2001, and as state attorney general from 2001 to 2017, before winning the governorship. [2, 11] Prior to his political career, he practiced law in Rocky Mount, North Carolina for approximately 18 years. 2

Cooper earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. [2, 3] He announced his U.S. Senate candidacy on July 28, 2025, seeking the seat held by Republican Thom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection. [15, 18, 23]

On the campaign trail, Cooper has focused on economic affordability, saying he aims to "make stuff cost less" if elected. 8 His campaign is operating under the name "Roy Cooper for North Carolina." 12

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. Senate, North Carolina
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Candidate for U.S. Senate (North Carolina)
Website
roycooper.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 10
    news
    Plouffe warns Cooper donors not to 'rest easy' in North Carolina race

    Democratic strategist David Plouffe cautioned Cooper's donors against complacency despite the candidate's polling lead, urging continued financial support in the North Carolina Senate race.

    Plouffe Warns Cooper Donors: Don't 'Rest Easy' in N.C. Race · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 9
    news
    Voter registration deadline passes in North Carolina

    October 9 was the regular voter-registration deadline in North Carolina ahead of the November 3 Senate election between Cooper and Whatley.

    Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 9
    news
    Whatley campaign accused of 'doubling down' amid ad retreat and poll deficit

    Reporting noted the Whatley campaign's continued messaging strategy despite retreating from the airwaves and trailing Cooper in polls heading into the final weeks of the race.

    Election 2026: Whatley campaign 'doubling down on ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 8
    debate
    No Cooper–Whatley debate scheduled; minor-party candidates agree to Oct. 15 forum

    As of October 8, Cooper and Whatley had not agreed to any debate and neither campaign responded to debate invitations. Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin accepted an Oct. 15 debate invitation. Cooper said, 'It appears we're going to have none for the U.S. Senate race.'

    Bray and Dublin to Debate as Early Voting Opens - EIN Presswire · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 8
    poll
    ECU poll: Cooper leads Whatley 50%–43%, lead holds steady from prior month

    An East Carolina University poll conducted Sept. 30–Oct. 3 found Cooper ahead by 7 points, with a credibility interval of about ±4 points. The result was unchanged from the prior month's comparison.

    ECU Poll: Cooper's Lead Holds at 7 Points · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 8
    endorsement
    Abby Spanberger campaigns in North Carolina to stump for Roy Cooper

    Virginia Governor Abby Spanberger hit the campaign trail in North Carolina to support Cooper's Senate bid, reflecting Democratic efforts to bolster the candidate in a competitive state.

    Spanberger hits the campaign trail to stump for Roy ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    news
    Cooper tells Elizabeth City audience he aims to 'make stuff cost less' if elected to Senate

    Cooper outlined his economic agenda at a campaign event, saying his Senate priorities would include lowering costs for North Carolina families on groceries, health care, and housing.

    If elected to US Senate, Cooper aims to 'make stuff cost less' - NewsBreak · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 7
    news
    Cooper campaigns in Asheville as Whatley's ad spending dwindles

    Cooper's campaign pushed through Asheville while Whatley's advertising dollars diminished, with local reporting noting the Republican candidate's retreat from the airwaves.

    Cooper's campaign barrels through Asheville as Whatley's ad ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 5
    news
    Democratic super PAC WinSenate trims ~$1.1 million in NC ad reservations

    WinSenate removed about $1.1 million in North Carolina ad reservations while retaining roughly $18.8 million in planned spending through Election Day, according to Politico.

    Democrats pull back some North Carolina Senate ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Oct 4
    poll
    High Point University poll shows Cooper leading Whatley 50% to 42%

    A High Point University poll conducted Sept. 9–16 showed Cooper with an 8-point lead over Whatley among likely voters.

    Election 2026: Cooper Leads Whatley by 8 in High Point Poll · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oct 4
    poll
    Poll shows Cooper holding double-digit leads among younger and Black voters

    Survey data showed Cooper with double-digit advantages among younger voters and Black voters in North Carolina, bolstering his overall lead in the Senate race.

    Election 2026: Younger Voters, Black Voters Give Cooper Double-Digit Poll Edge · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Oct 4
    news
    Cooper campaigns in Asheville emphasizing cost of living and health care

    Cooper held a campaign stop in Asheville emphasizing tariff rollbacks, a child-care tax credit, expanded health coverage, and limits on insurance denials as part of his 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour.

    Roy Cooper campaigns in Asheville on 'Make Stuff Cost ... · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Oct 3
    news
    Cooper continues 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour in Concord, attacks Whatley on oil and tariffs

    At a Concord campaign event, Cooper continued his affordability tour, criticizing the cost effects of the Iran War and accusing Whatley of serving oil interests. These are Cooper's campaign assertions.

    Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in ... · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Oct 2
    news
    Senate Leadership Fund cancels planned October ad spending in North Carolina

    The leading GOP Senate super PAC canceled its planned October advertising in North Carolina and redirected resources, including to Kansas. NBC reported the group had already spent more than $17 million in the state in September.

    GOP super PAC cancels spending in North Carolina Senate race, shifting money to Kansas · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sep 30
    poll
    Catawba College poll shows Cooper leading Whatley by 12 points

    A Catawba College survey showed Cooper ahead of Whatley by 12 percentage points in the North Carolina U.S. Senate race.

    Election 2026: Cooper leads Whatley by 12% in Catawba ... · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Sep 28
    controversy
    Republican-aligned groups air ads attacking Cooper's criminal-justice record

    Republican-aligned advertising attacked Cooper's criminal-justice policies, with law enforcement figures saying his policies 'handcuff' police. Cooper's campaign disputed the portrayal and emphasized his record on law enforcement.

    Election 2026: Lawmen say Cooper policies ‘handcuff ... - Yahoo · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  17. Sep 28
    poll
    AARP poll shows Cooper leading Whatley 53% to 42% among likely NC voters

    A survey of 1,115 likely voters conducted Sept. 17–20 found Cooper ahead of Whatley by 11 points, with a margin of error of ±2.9 points.

    Cooper holds 11-point lead over Whatley in North Carolina Senate race: Poll · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  18. Sep 28
    poll
    Poll shows Cooper flipping Trump's margin with independents by 29 points

    A poll found Cooper significantly outperforming with independent voters compared to Trump's 2024 margins in North Carolina, contributing to his lead over Whatley.

    Cooper Flips Trump Margin with Independents 29 Points ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  19. Sep 25
    news
    Cooper promotes 'Make Stuff Cost Less' agenda at Elizabeth City campaign stop

    Cooper outlined an affordability agenda in Elizabeth City covering food and groceries, health care, utilities, child care, and housing. He also said he would seek to roll back tariffs if elected.

    Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  20. Sep 16
    endorsement
    Human Rights Campaign PAC endorses Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate

    The HRC PAC endorsed Cooper, the Democratic nominee for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat. Cooper said, 'I'm running to make stuff cost less for all North Carolina families.'

    Human Rights Campaign PAC Endorses Former North Carolina Gov ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  21. Sep 15
    news
    Reporting examines whether election officials removed early-voting site from NC's largest HBCU

    WFAE investigated Cooper's claim that Republican election officials removed an early-voting site from North Carolina A&T, the state's largest HBCU, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

    Did election officials remove early-voting site from North ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  22. Sep 11
    controversy
    PolitiFact rates Cooper's claim about HBCU early-voting site removal 'Mostly False'

    Cooper said Republican election officials 'removed that ballot box' from NC A&T's HBCU campus. PolitiFact rated the claim Mostly False, noting the university had a site in the 2024 general election but county officials said it had not hosted an early-voting site in a midterm and was not slated to have one in 2026.

    Cooper says North Carolina officials 'removed' an HBCU early ... · Sep 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  23. Sep 4
    news
    North Carolina begins mailing absentee ballots, kicking off 2026 Senate race voting

    North Carolina began mailing requested absentee ballots on September 4, marking the formal start of voting in the 2026 midterm cycle, including the Cooper-Whatley Senate race.

    Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare PAC organization
    Reported in a September 9, 2026 news article; endorsement date not specified. timesnews.net
  • NCAAT in Action organization
    Listed Cooper as its U.S. Senate endorsement for the 2026 North Carolina general election; page updated October 4, 2026, no separate endorsement date given. ncaatinaction.org
  • Sierra Club organization
    Reported in a September 9, 2026 news article; endorsement date not specified. timesnews.net
  • MoveOn organization
    Endorsement page published September 21, 2026; specific endorsement date not given. front.moveon.org
  • National Education Association organization
    Reported in a September 9, 2026 news article; endorsement date not specified. timesnews.net
  • American Federation of Government Employees District 4 union
    Reported in a September 9, 2026 news article; endorsement date not specified. timesnews.net
  • North Carolina Association of Educators organization
    Reported in a September 9, 2026 news article; endorsement date not specified. timesnews.net
  • Human Rights Campaign PAC organization
    Endorsed former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate. hrc.org · Sep 16, 2026
  • Reproductive Freedom for All organization
    March 3, 2026 statement described Cooper as its endorsed candidate. reproductivefreedomforall.org · Mar 3, 2026
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union
    Described as the largest federal employee union endorsing Cooper for U.S. Senate. afge.org · Feb 27, 2026
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Announced as part of its first endorsements of the 2026 cycle. plannedparenthoodaction.org · Jan 22, 2026
  • North Carolina State AFL-CIO union
    Union members interviewed candidates and voted on recommendations on December 12, 2025; endorsement announced December 18, 2025. aflcionc.org · Dec 12, 2025
  • Wiley Nickel, former U.S. Representative official
    Endorsed Cooper after suspending his own Senate campaign. Said: "I proudly endorse Governor Cooper for US Senate." politico.com · Jul 29, 2025

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$34.98M
Spent
$14.26M
Cash on hand
$20.72M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6NC00407(opens in a new tab)

Sources 40

  1. [1] If elected to US Senate, Cooper aims to 'make stuff cost less' - NewsBreak(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  2. [2] Plouffe Warns Cooper Donors: Don't 'Rest Easy' in N.C. Race(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  3. [3] Election 2026: Whatley campaign 'doubling down on ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  4. [4] Bray and Dublin to Debate as Early Voting Opens - EIN Presswire(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] ECU Poll: Cooper's Lead Holds at 7 Points(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  6. [6] Spanberger hits the campaign trail to stump for Roy ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  7. [7] Cooper's campaign barrels through Asheville as Whatley's ad ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  8. [8] If elected to US Senate, Cooper aims to 'make stuff cost less' - NewsBreak(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  9. [9] Democrats pull back some North Carolina Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  10. [10] Election 2026: Cooper Leads Whatley by 8 in High Point Poll(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  11. [11] Election 2026: Younger Voters, Black Voters Give Cooper Double-Digit Poll Edge(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  12. [12] Roy Cooper campaigns in Asheville on 'Make Stuff Cost ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  13. [13] Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  14. [14] GOP super PAC cancels spending in North Carolina Senate race, shifting money to Kansas(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  15. [15] Election 2026: Cooper leads Whatley by 12% in Catawba ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  16. [16] Our 2026 Endorsements - NCAAT in Action(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  17. [17] Cooper Flips Trump Margin with Independents 29 Points ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  18. [18] Cooper holds 11-point lead over Whatley in North Carolina Senate race: Poll(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  19. [19] Election 2026: Lawmen say Cooper policies ‘handcuff ... - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  20. [20] Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
  21. [21] Democrat Roy Cooper's Sanctuary Agenda Protected Illegal Aliens ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  22. [22] Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  23. [23] Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  24. [24] Roy Cooper : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  25. [25] Human Rights Campaign PAC Endorses Former North Carolina Gov ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  26. [26] Did election officials remove early-voting site from North ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
  27. [27] Cooper says North Carolina officials 'removed' an HBCU early ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 11, 2026
  28. [28] North Carolina Senate race puts affordability front and center(opens in a new tab) Sep 10, 2026
  29. [29] Election 2026: Newsom, of costly California, stumps for 'Make Stuff ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 9, 2026
  30. [30] Roy Cooper calls ad linking him to SC murder a lie during WNC stop(opens in a new tab) Aug 21, 2026
  31. [31] Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in ...(opens in a new tab) May 5, 2026
  32. [32] Roy Cooper Continues “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour in Asheville ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 18, 2026
  33. [33] Reproductive Freedom for All Celebrates Roy Cooper's Victory in ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 4, 2026
  34. [34] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Roy Cooper for ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 27, 2026
  35. [35] NCAE, NEA Endorse Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate(opens in a new tab) Feb 27, 2026
  36. [36] In First Endorsements of 2026, Planned Parenthood Action Fund ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 22, 2026
  37. [37] Roy Cooper Statement on Roe v. Wade Anniversary and ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 22, 2026
  38. [38] North Carolina AFL-CIO Endorses Statewide Candidates 2026 ...(opens in a new tab) Dec 18, 2025
  39. [39] Roy Cooper(opens in a new tab) Aug 22, 2025
  40. [40] Wiley Nickel ends short-lived Senate campaign in N.C.(opens in a new tab) Jul 29, 2025
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