Roy Cooper’s Chances of Beating Michael Whatley in North Carolina—Polls
Summary
Former Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is leading his Republican opponent Michael Whatley by double digits in polls for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race. This seat, held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis, is considered an important chance for Democrats to gain control of the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.Key Facts
- Roy Cooper holds a 14-point lead over Michael Whatley, with 48% support versus 34%, according to a recent Catawba College poll.
- The poll surveyed 1,000 North Carolina voters from June 1 to June 10, with a margin of error of ±3.83 percentage points.
- Cooper’s lead is driven mostly by independent voters who support him over Whatley by more than two to one.
- Other polls show Cooper leading by 8 to 11 points among likely voters in North Carolina.
- Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket give Cooper about an 85-86% chance of winning.
- North Carolina narrowly supported President Donald Trump in 2024 and is considered a key battleground state.
- Democrats last won a Senate seat in North Carolina in 2008.
- The current Republican senator, Thom Tillis, is retiring, opening the seat for the 2026 election.
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