Leftist Former Gov Roy Cooper Runs For Senate, Turning North Carolina Into 2026’s Key Battleground

[ad_1] Former North Carolina Democratic Governor Roy Cooper jumped into what many predict would be the best race of the 2026 midterms on Monday, asserting his marketing campaign for the U.S. Senate in a video posted to social media.

“I by no means actually wished to go to Washington … however these aren't atypical occasions,” the previous governor mentioned. “I believed on it and prayed about it, and I’ve determined: I wish to function your subsequent United States senator, as a result of even now, I nonetheless imagine our greatest days are forward of us.”

Cooper’s entry comes after incumbent GOP Senator Thom Tillis introduced final month he wouldn’t search reelection following President Trump’s public assaults on his vote opposing a movement to advance the Huge, Lovely Invoice, which was signed into legislation on July 4.

Cooper, who served as North Carolina’s governor from 2017 to 2025, enters the race as a formidable candidate — a two-term governor who received statewide elections in 2016 and 2020, whereas Trump carried North Carolina, in accordance with POLITICO.

I've thought on it and prayed about it, and I've determined: I'm working to be the following U.S. Senator from North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/jXvuioO1T0

— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) July 28, 2025

The previous governor’s announcement, mixed with Tillis’ exit, has bolstered Democrats’ in any other case slim probabilities of retaking management of the Senate, the place Republicans at present keep a 53-47 majority.

Cook dinner Political Report charges North Carolina as Democrats’ solely “toss-up” pickup alternative, whereas itemizing Susan Collins’ Maine seat as “Lean Republican.” Republicans have their very own “toss-up” probabilities in Democrat-held seats in Georgia and Michigan — each states Trump carried in 2024 — that means Democrats are prone to maintain simply 49 seats even of their best-case situation.

Cooper brings a confirmed capacity to enchantment to swing voters and donors that Democrats desperately want, but in addition an excessive document that has drawn criticism from conservatives.

Throughout his tenure, he vetoed a number of Republican-backed payments, together with laws banning trans surgical procedure for minors and a invoice requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. His dealing with of COVID-19 restrictions sparked controversy, with many Republican lawmakers accusing him of presidency overreach.

Republicans shortly dismissed Cooper, with the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee branding him a “Democrat lapdog.”

“North Carolina needs a senator who will champion working households, security, and American values, not an incompetent, far-left profession politician like Cooper who will wreck every part they care about,” mentioned NRSC communications director Joanna Rodriguez, per POLITICO.

Republican Nationwide Committee Chair Michael Whatley is anticipated to announce his bid within the coming days, though he has already obtained an endorsement from President Trump.

Lara Trump cleared the trail for Whatley’s candidacy, asserting final week she wouldn't search the seat. Whatley beforehand served because the North Carolina Republican Get together chairman earlier than assuming management of the RNC below President Trump.