Summary
Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper leads ex-Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in polls for North Carolina's 2026 U.S. Senate race. Both candidates won their party primaries, and the seat is currently held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis. The race is part of the 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans aiming to keep control of Congress.
Key Facts
- Roy Cooper is the former Democratic Governor of North Carolina.
- Michael Whatley is the former Chair of the Republican National Committee.
- Both won their primary elections for the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina.
- The seat is currently held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
- Polls show Cooper with a lead over Whatley; one poll gives Cooper a 10-point lead.
- North Carolina is considered a swing state and important for both parties in the 2026 midterm elections.
- Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina in 2008.
- The upcoming election will be closely watched and involve significant spending.
