The Democrat Party is running out of options. They have one chance left to prevent extinction.
That’s why the Democrats have concocted this plan to pull the rug out from under President Trump.
Roy Cooper Aims to Flip North Carolina Senate Seat in 2026
Roy Cooper, a seasoned Democratic politician, is set to lead his party’s charge to capture a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, a goal Democrats haven’t achieved since 2008. The 68-year-old, who served two terms as governor, four as attorney general, and 14 years in the state legislature, announced his intent to run for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who will not seek a third term in 2026.
A formal announcement from Cooper is expected soon, solidifying his position as the Democratic frontrunner. With no serious primary challengers anticipated, Cooper’s path to the nomination appears clear, a stark contrast to the competitive Republican primaries in recent years.
Cooper’s entry follows former Rep. Wiley Nickel’s decision to pursue a different office, leaving the Senate race open for Cooper. Nickel, who had been a leading Democratic contender since April, pledged his support for Cooper, ensuring party unity heading into the March primary.
The last Democrat to win a Senate seat in North Carolina was Kay Hagan in 2008, with John Edwards and Terry Sanford securing midterm victories in 1998 and 1986, respectively. Republicans have dominated the state’s Senate races since, going 5-0 in elections following Hagan’s win. Cooper’s candidacy aims to break this streak, leveraging his extensive political record.
On the Republican side, Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, is expected to announce his candidacy soon, bolstered by an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Trump’s support signals strong backing for Whatley, aligning with the former president’s influence in the party and his agenda to maintain Republican control of the Senate.
The North Carolina Senate seat is one of two Republican-held seats considered vulnerable in the 2026 midterms, alongside Sen. Susan Collins’ seat in Maine. With razor-thin margins in the Senate, securing this seat is critical for the Trump administration to advance its legislative priorities, including tax cuts, border security, and energy independence. A single seat could determine whether Trump’s America First agenda thrives or stalls.
Cooper’s tenure as governor included notable achievements, such as expanding Medicaid and securing a 19% cumulative pay raise for teachers. He also played a key role in repealing House Bill 2, the controversial “bathroom bill” that restricted transgender access to restrooms. Cooper framed the repeal as a victory for inclusivity, though critics argue the bill was ahead of its time in protecting women’s private spaces.
However, Cooper faced setbacks, including defeats on universal school choice, voter ID laws, deregulation, and abortion policy. His legal strategy, often described as “sue until it’s blue,” leaned heavily on court battles to challenge Republican-led policies. This approach saw success when Democrats held a 6-1 majority on the state Supreme Court, but its effectiveness waned as the court shifted to a 5-2 Republican majority post-COVID.
Undefeated in 13 statewide elections, Cooper’s political career spans decades, from his first state House win in 1986 to his gubernatorial victories. Back then, Democrats controlled the state legislature with wide margins. Today, Republicans hold a 30-20 edge in the Senate and a 71-49 lead in the House, while voter registration shows unaffiliated voters (38.3%) outpacing Democrats (30.6%) and Republicans (30.4%).
Cooper’s governorship was marked by a record 104 vetoes, with 52 overridden, and 328 executive orders. He vetoed two of four state budgets, signed one, and let one become law without his signature. His push for substantial teacher and state employee pay raises often clashed with Republican majorities, who ultimately claimed credit for delivering more raises than Cooper approved.
As governor, Cooper championed economic development, announcing projects from companies like Toyota, Apple, and Eli Lilly, promising 17,708 jobs and $31.78 billion in investments. However, the high-profile VinFast project, backed by a $1.2 billion taxpayer subsidy, has faced delays, with production yet to begin at its planned $4 billion Moncure plant.
For the Trump administration, holding the North Carolina Senate seat is paramount. A Republican majority ensures smoother passage of policies like energy deregulation and pro-life measures, which align with Trump’s vision. The tight Senate margins mean every race counts, and losing this seat could hinder the administration’s ability to deliver on campaign promises.
Cooper’s campaign will likely emphasize his experience and moderate appeal, positioning him as a unifier in a divided state. Meanwhile, Whatley, with Trump’s endorsement, will rally conservative voters by highlighting the need to protect Trump’s agenda against Democratic opposition.
