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Senate Fund Bets $71M on Whatley Despite Poll Deficit

4/9/2026

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Senate Fund Backs Whatley

The Senate Leadership Fund plans to invest at least $71 million to back Republican Michael Whatley against Democrat Roy Cooper in North Carolina.
A poll shows Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by 14 points.
Whatley is a political insider with no elected experience and remains optimistic despite low name recognition.
The Senate Leadership Fund has spent more on this campaign than in both of Roy Cooper's previous gubernatorial campaigns combined.

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Donations Surge Undisclosed

A recent investigation reveals nearly 20% of donations to super PACs come from undisclosed sources, up from 1% in 2012.
This surge is driven by new Democratic-aligned nonprofits.
Major tech-backed PACs spend heavily to influence AI regulation, including Leading the Future funded by Trump supporters and tech leaders.
Public First Action advocates for state regulation.
U.S. President Donald Trump pushes federal AI regulation control, complicating the 2026 midterm elections landscape.

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Senate Fund Backs Whatley

The Senate Leadership Fund plans to invest at least $71 million to back Republican Michael Whatley against Democrat Roy Cooper in North Carolina.
A poll shows Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by 14 points.
Whatley is a political insider with no elected experience and remains optimistic despite low name recognition.
The Senate Leadership Fund has spent more on this campaign than in both of Roy Cooper's previous gubernatorial campaigns combined.

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