North Carolina Senate Race: Roy Cooper Leads Michael Whatley in Early Polls

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is leading Republican candidate Michael Whatley in the race for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. A poll commissioned by Healthier United, conducted from March 8 to 9 and released on March 27, shows Cooper with 50 percent support compared to Whatley's 32 percent, with Libertarian candidate Shannon Bray at 4 percent and 14 percent undecided. This lead is significantly wider than other recent surveys, indicating a strong early position for Cooper as both candidates prepare for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.

NewsweekWashington Examiner

The Healthier United poll indicates that Cooper's lead is substantial, with an 18-point margin. In contrast, a Carolina Journal poll conducted from March 22 to 23 shows Cooper ahead by 8 points, at 49 percent to Whatley's 41 percent. Another survey from Public Policy Polling, conducted from March 13 to 14, reflects a tighter race, with Cooper at 47 percent and Whatley at 44 percent, within the margin of error. The varying results highlight the competitive nature of the race, with unaffiliated voters likely playing a crucial role in the outcome.

Newsweek

Health care costs are a significant concern for North Carolina voters, with 75 percent expressing extreme concern about rising expenses. The Healthier United poll reveals that 58 percent of respondents believe health care costs are too high, leading some to forgo necessary care. This issue may influence voter preferences as both candidates outline their platforms.

Newsweek

Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee Chair, is positioning himself as a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump's agenda, emphasizing economic policies aimed at job creation and lowering costs. Whatley acknowledges the challenge of building name recognition among voters, particularly as he seeks to define his identity in the race. He has expressed confidence in overcoming the current polling deficit, stating, "Good policy is good politics here in North Carolina."

Washington Examiner

Conversely, Roy Cooper has maintained a strong electoral record in North Carolina, having never lost a race. His campaign is expected to capitalize on the current political climate, where many voters feel the country is on the wrong track, with 58 percent expressing dissatisfaction with the direction of the nation.

Critics of Whatley's campaign point to the declining approval ratings for Trump, which may hinder his efforts to rally support. Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation, noted that midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the party in power, suggesting that the current political environment may favor Democrats.

Washington Examiner

While the Healthier United poll shows Cooper with a commanding lead, other polls, such as those conducted by Carolina Journal and Public Policy Polling, indicate a closer race. The discrepancies in polling results underscore the fluid nature of voter sentiment as the election approaches.

As the campaigns progress, both candidates are expected to intensify their outreach efforts, particularly targeting unaffiliated voters. With eight months remaining until the election, the dynamics of the race may shift significantly as voter engagement increases and key issues are further debated.

Newsweek

• “The bigger challenge for Michael Whatley right now is getting a level of identity established and defining that level of identity as it matters going into the Senate race.” — Paul Shumaker, Capitol Communications

Newsweek

• “The thing that stands out the most to me is that 75 percent of people right now in North Carolina are extremely concerned about health care costs. About one-in-six of those folks have opted out of the system because they can't afford it.” — Morgan Jackson, Nexus Strategies

Newsweek

• “Having the support of President Trump is a net positive in a big way here in North Carolina, and it was great to have the vice president down here just a couple of weeks ago,” — Michael Whatley, Republican Senate Candidate

Washington Examiner

• “Good policy is good politics here in North Carolina and anywhere else, you know, we are a purple state,” — Michael Whatley, Republican Senate Candidate

Washington Examiner