Summary
In the upcoming 2026 North Carolina Senate race, Roy Cooper, a former Democratic governor, is leading former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley by a significant margin in recent polls. Polls show that Cooper has strong support, while many voters remain undecided or have mixed feelings about Whatley. The race is important for Democrats as they aim to gain control of the Senate by winning crucial seats.
Key Facts
- Roy Cooper, a Democrat, leads Michael Whatley, a Republican, by 24 points in a recent poll for the North Carolina Senate race.
- The poll by Tipp Insights was conducted with 1,512 registered voters between January 12 and 15.
- 54% of voters have a favorable view of Cooper, while 25% view Whatley favorably, and 43% are unsure about him.
- Another poll by High Point University showed that 46% of voters would back a Democrat, while 41% would support a Republican.
- In November, a Carolina Journal poll found Cooper leading Whatley with 47% compared to Whatley's 38.6%.
- Democrats view North Carolina as a key state in their efforts to gain a Senate majority, as GOP Senator Thom Tillis is retiring.
- The North Carolina Senate race is seen as one of the Democrats' best chances to gain a seat in the 2026 midterm elections.
