Devastation, doubt and blame: Hurricane Helene looms over North Carolina’s US Senate race
Summary
Two years after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, the area shows signs of recovery but still faces challenges like empty storefronts and leftover debris. The disaster and its recovery efforts have become key issues in the race for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, with both major candidates connected to how the state managed the storm’s aftermath.Key Facts
- Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September 2024, killing at least 107 people and causing nearly $60 billion in damage.
- Downtown areas have mostly recovered, but some businesses have not reopened, and debris remains in waterways.
- The 2026 Senate race in North Carolina is open because Republican Senator Thom Tillis is retiring.
- Democratic candidate Roy Cooper was governor during the hurricane and its recovery efforts.
- Republican candidate Michael Whatley has criticized Cooper’s handling of the recovery and was called the “recovery czar” by the media, a label his campaign denies.
- President Donald Trump supported Whatley’s role in the recovery, adding to the political debate around the issue.
- North Carolina is a key battleground state, with Democrats hoping to win a Senate seat and improve their standing nationally.
- Western North Carolina usually votes Republican and has not supported a Democrat for Senate or president since 2008.
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