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Cooper Leads Whatley in NC Senate Race Poll

8/22/2026

Summary

Cooper Leads NC Senate

Former Governor Roy Cooper leads former RNC chair Michael Whatley in the North Carolina Senate race.
A High Point University poll shows Cooper at 50% and Whatley at 45% among likely voters.
The Cook Political Report rates the contest as Lean Democrat.
U.S. President Donald Trump backs Whatley, increasing the race’s intensity.
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Summary

Cooper Warns Cuts

Cooper warned Social Security benefits could drop 22% by 2032, shaving $500 monthly from retirees.
Cooper said the federal government has contributed only 15% of the $60 billion needed for full Helene recovery.
At a “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour stop in Hendersonville, Cooper noted a mother’s $220-weekly childcare cost totaling $23,000 annually.
Cooper criticized tariffs backed by Helene recovery czar Whatley, saying they raise costs for consumers and small businesses.

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Cooper Leads NC Senate

Former Governor Roy Cooper leads former RNC chair Michael Whatley in the North Carolina Senate race.
A High Point University poll shows Cooper at 50% and Whatley at 45% among likely voters.
The Cook Political Report rates the contest as Lean Democrat.
U.S. President Donald Trump backs Whatley, increasing the race’s intensity.
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

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