Summary
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, raised more money than his Republican opponent Michael Whatley in a key Senate race. The race, important for the 2026 midterm elections, has Cooper and Whatley both seen as leading candidates with no prominent challengers. Recent polls show Cooper with a slight lead over Whatley.
Key Facts
- Roy Cooper, a Democrat, raised $14.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 for the Senate race.
- Michael Whatley, a Republican, raised $5.8 million during the same period.
- Cooper and Whatley are running to replace retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
- Senator Tillis announced his retirement after voting against a major bill supported by President Trump.
- Recent polls show Cooper leading by 4 to 7 percentage points over Whatley.
- North Carolina is a closely contested state in Senate and presidential elections.
- Democrats have had success in recent gubernatorial elections in North Carolina.
- The election is seen as highly competitive, partly due to President Trump's current approval ratings.
