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Roy Cooper Dominates Senate Race Amid GOP Uncertainty

1/19/2026

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Cooper Leads Senate Race

Roy Cooper, the former Democratic Governor of North Carolina, leads the Senate race with 48% support, according to a poll.
Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate, has 24% support in the poll.
The poll shows 27% of voters are undecided.
Roy Cooper has a 54% favorable rating.
Democrats are optimistic about flipping seats in this midterm cycle, with GOP Senator Thom Tillis retiring and the primary set for March 3, 2026.

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GOP Denies Voting Access

The North Carolina state election board, now under GOP control, denied a request for an early voting site at North Carolina A&T State University, prompting protests from Black students.
The board's 3-2 vote against the campus location raises voter-access concerns for students lacking transportation.
Democratic board members criticized the decision, labeling it "war on students."
Since May, the board has restricted voting, including requiring personal information and proposing legislation.

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Cooper Leads Senate Race

Roy Cooper, the former Democratic Governor of North Carolina, leads the Senate race with 48% support, according to a poll.
Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate, has 24% support in the poll.
The poll shows 27% of voters are undecided.
Roy Cooper has a 54% favorable rating.
Democrats are optimistic about flipping seats in this midterm cycle, with GOP Senator Thom Tillis retiring and the primary set for March 3, 2026.

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