Roy Cooper Enters North Carolina Senate Race Amid Competitive GOP Contenders

Michael Whatley, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. This Senate seat is currently held by a Republican and is considered a battleground race. Whatley is stepping down from his position as the GOP chairman to focus on his Senate run. He has secured the backing of former President Donald Trump for his campaign. The announcement marks a significant entry into the competitive North Carolina Senate race.

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is planning to enter the 2024 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, potentially announcing his candidacy next week, according to multiple sources including Axios and CNN. Cooper, 68, served two terms as governor from 2017 to 2024 and was previously North Carolina's attorney general for four terms. He is a top recruit for Democrats aiming to flip a Republican-held Senate seat in a key battleground state. Cooper has a strong record, having won six statewide elections without ever losing a race in over 30 years, often securing victories even when Republicans carried the state in presidential elections. For example, in the 2016 gubernatorial race, Cooper defeated incumbent Republican Pat McCrory by approximately 10,000 votes, despite Donald Trump winning North Carolina by nearly 4 points. Cooper was term-limited from seeking a third term as governor in 2024 and is expected to make a public statement on his Senate plans soon. He will speak at the North Carolina Democratic Party’s Unity Dinner on Saturday, though he is not expected to announce his candidacy there. Democrats view North Carolina as a top pickup opportunity, alongside Maine, in their effort to win Senate control. Republican potential candidates for the seat include North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley, Representatives Pat Harrigan and Greg Murphy, and possibly Lara Trump. Cooper’s top political advisor, Morgan Jackson, declined to confirm the announcement timing but indicated that Cooper will share details shortly. Democrats describe Cooper as a formidable candidate, and Senate Majority PAC linked to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called him "a force to be reckoned with."

The retirement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, has sparked a competitive race for the open North Carolina Senate seat. Tillis’s decision to step down has intensified the battle to either challenge him or flip the seat, which is crucial for Republicans aiming to maintain their slim Senate majority. Key Republican figures discussed as potential candidates include Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, and Michael Whatley, chairman of the North Carolina GOP. Whatley, however, has no current plans to run and remains focused on supporting President Trump and protecting Republican majorities in upcoming elections.

Lara Trump, who was born and raised in North Carolina, acknowledged in an interview with Fox News Radio that she would consider running if the timing and circumstances align with her family’s needs. President Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm about Lara’s potential candidacy, calling her “my first choice” due to her local ties and appealing to voters in the state, though he noted he had not yet directly discussed the possibility with her. He also mentioned that other Republicans, including some congressmen, could step up to run.

This development follows a fierce and evolving political landscape in North Carolina, with the seat widely regarded as pivotal for Senate control. Lara Trump previously ruled out a Senate run in Florida earlier in the year, making North Carolina her likely focus if she decides to pursue the seat. The race is expected to be closely watched nationally because of its potential to influence Senate control and the broader political dynamics between Republicans and Democrats.

Recent political developments have sparked significant interest in the North Carolina Senate race following Senator Thom Tillis's retirement announcement. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is reportedly contemplating a campaign for the open seat. Multiple reports indicate that the Republican Party is closely watching to see if another Trump family member will enter the race, given Lara Trump reportedly has the "right of first refusal". This phrase suggests she may have priority or a favored position if she decides to run.

Donald Trump has publicly stated that Lara Trump is his "first choice" for the North Carolina Senate seat, highlighting a considerable endorsement from a prominent political figure within the party. The race has already drawn attention from various political figures, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, signaling a competitive contest. Lara Trump is actively "thinking" about launching her campaign but has not confirmed any formal decision yet.

The significance of this development lies in the potential influence of the Trump family name and Donald Trump's continued sway within the Republican Party. Should Lara Trump run, it could reshape the dynamics of the fierce and suddenly open Senate race in North Carolina. The race will be a key battleground in upcoming elections, and a Trump-backed candidate may bring substantial attention and resources. Political observers are monitoring the situation for final decisions and campaign announcements.

In summary, the North Carolina Senate race has become a focal point with Thom Tillis's retirement, Lara Trump's possible entry, and presidential endorsement, making it a critical event for both state and national politics.

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper plans to enter the 2026 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, according to multiple sources cited by CNN. Cooper, who finished his eight-year gubernatorial term in 2024 due to term limits, has an extensive political career spanning over 30 years, including service as state senator and attorney general, and has never lost a race. He is widely popular in North Carolina and has won elections even in years when Republicans carried the state in presidential contests.

An official announcement of Cooper's candidacy is expected soon. Cooper is anticipated to speak at the Democratic Unity Dinner, a key state party fundraiser, in Raleigh on the upcoming Saturday, though he is not expected to make his Senate bid public at the event. A longtime adviser, Morgan Jackson, declined to confirm the candidacy but indicated Cooper would reveal his intentions in the coming days.

On the Republican side, Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and a North Carolina native, is the leading potential Republican candidate. Trump, who formerly co-chaired the Republican National Committee and was a key surrogate in Trump's 2024 campaign, is considering a Senate run with her father-in-law's endorsement pending. If Lara Trump declines, other Republican contenders include Rep. Pat Harrigan, Michael Whatley (former North Carolina Republican Party Chairman), and Reps. Richard Hudson and Brad Knott.

Sen. Thom Tillis, the incumbent Republican senator, will not seek a third term after criticisms from Trump regarding his departure from Trump's policy positions and legislation such as a Republican 'big, beautiful bill.' This has opened the seat, creating a competitive race where Democrats see an opportunity to flip the GOP-held Senate seat in North Carolina.

Cooper’s entrance into the race heightens the prospect of a high-profile showdown for the Senate seat, potentially between Cooper and Lara Trump, if she decides to run.