Summary
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper plans to announce his campaign for the U.S. Senate next week. Cooper is seen as a strong candidate for the Democrats in the 2026 race to gain a Senate seat currently held by Republicans.
Key Facts
- Roy Cooper is a former governor of North Carolina and a Democrat.
- He plans to run for a U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election.
- The Democratic Party views him as their top candidate to win this seat.
- Democratic leaders, including Kirsten Gillibrand, have encouraged him to run.
- The current Republican Senator Thom Tillis has announced his retirement.
- Democrats are waiting to see if Lara Trump will run for the Republican side.
- Cooper was considered for a vice presidential role but chose to study at Harvard instead.
- Former Congressman Wiley Nickel, also a Democrat, has already announced his Senate campaign.
