Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has ended months of speculation by officially announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026. Cooper’s entry instantly transforms the North Carolina race into one of the nation’s top political battlegrounds, amid high stakes for control of the Senate.
Announcement Ushers in a New Phase
Cooper’s announcement came Monday, July 28, 2025, through a public address and online statements that quickly went viral across political news platforms. Well-known for his eight years as governor and four terms as attorney general, Cooper emphasized his commitment to “fight for every North Carolinian” as he aims to capture the seat being vacated by Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who declared last month he will retire at the end of his term.
At his campaign launch, Cooper recalled his administration’s achievements, particularly Medicaid expansion that extended health coverage to 675,000 people, and his defense of public education and voting rights. He echoed recent remarks from the weekend’s North Carolina Democratic Party Unity Dinner, asking, “I’m not sitting down, am I?”—a line widely interpreted as a signal he was ready to run.
Competitive Field and High Stakes
The 2026 North Carolina Senate race has drawn national attention. With Republicans currently holding a thin majority in the Senate, Democrats see this seat as a critical pickup opportunity. As a swing state, North Carolina’s outcome could decide which party controls the chamber after the elections.
Key points shaping the contest include:
- Republican Challenger: Michael Whatley, Chair of the Republican National Committee and backed by former President Donald Trump, has declared his intent to run. Lara Trump, previously floated as a possible candidate, has declined to enter the race at this time.
- Democratic Field Consolidates: Following Cooper’s announcement, other potential Democratic candidates are expected to withdraw or shift their campaign plans. Most notably, Wiley Nickel, previously running for Senate, is expected to announce a campaign for Wake County District Attorney instead.
Cooper’s Platform and Policy Focus
In his launch speech, Cooper highlighted several campaign priorities:
- Healthcare: Defending and expanding the Medicaid program, now under threat from federal policy changes.
- Education: Continued investment in public schools and teachers, citing it as foundational for North Carolina’s future.
- Economic Opportunity: Support for rural communities and job creation throughout the state.
- Protecting Rights: Opposition to recent state-level abortion restrictions and advocacy for voting access and civil liberties.
He urged voters not to lose hope, even with Republicans currently controlling the White House, Senate, and Supreme Court. “This beautiful experiment we call democracy only works when we work for it,” Cooper said, calling on residents to stay engaged and make their voices heard.
National Significance
With the balance of the Senate at stake, national leaders from both parties see North Carolina as pivotal. Democrats are celebrating Cooper’s recruitment as a major coup, given his strong approval ratings and statewide recognition. Republicans, meanwhile, are mobilizing behind Whatley and counting on North Carolina’s recent GOP leanings at the federal level.
What Happens Next
The coming weeks are expected to see a flurry of campaign activity:
- Fundraising and endorsements will ramp up on both sides.
- Cooper will likely kick off a statewide listening tour to mobilize his broad base of supporters, especially in communities he’s served for decades.
- Both candidates will define and sharpen their policy positions as the 2026 contest heats up.
This race has all the ingredients of a national political showdown, and North Carolinians will play a decisive role in shaping the Senate’s future.
Have thoughts on Roy Cooper’s announcement or the Senate race? Share your perspective in the comments below, and join the conversation about the future of North Carolina politics.