Cooper Enters U.S. Senate Race in North Carolina

Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper has made a surprising announcement on social media and his campaign website, stating his intention to run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. This move comes as a significant boost for the Democratic Party, with Cooper being a proven statewide winner and a strong contender in the open-seat race. Cooper's candidacy is seen as a top pick-up opportunity for Democrats in what is expected to be a challenging year. The seat is currently held by Senator Thom Tillis, who announced his decision not to seek re-election in June.

Cooper's decision to run for the Senate is a significant development in the North Carolina politics scene. With an electoral career spanning nearly 40 years, Cooper has had a knack for winning in a state dominated by Republicans. As governor, Cooper steered the state through the coronavirus pandemic, Hurricanes Helene and Florence, and a law that became a flashpoint in the culture wars over access to public restrooms by transgender people. Cooper's perceived accomplishments raised his national profile, making him a prominent figure in North Carolina politics.

Cooper's campaign will face significant financial challenges, with hundreds of millions of dollars expected to be spent in the race. However, Cooper's announcement has been met with swift endorsement from current Democratic Governor Josh Stein and state Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton, who praised Cooper as one of the best champions North Carolina has ever had.

Key Takeaways:

• Roy Cooper, a proven statewide winner and former two-term governor of North Carolina, has announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate in the open-seat race.
• Cooper's candidacy is seen as a top pick-up opportunity for Democrats in what is expected to be a challenging year.
• The seat is currently held by Senator Thom Tillis, who announced his decision not to seek re-election in June.
• Cooper's campaign will face significant financial challenges, with hundreds of millions of dollars expected to be spent in the race.
• Cooper's announcement has been met with swift endorsement from current Democratic Governor Josh Stein and state Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton.
• Cooper has had a knack for winning in a state dominated by Republicans, with an electoral career spanning nearly 40 years.
• As governor, Cooper steered the state through the coronavirus pandemic, Hurricanes Helene and Florence, and a law that became a flashpoint in the culture wars over access to public restrooms by transgender people.
• Republicans have criticized Cooper's gubernatorial record, citing his vetoes of legislation and slow response to natural disasters.
• The Senate Leadership Fund, the campaign arm of Senate Republicans, has released a social media video blasting Cooper's record and accusing him of having radical views.

Statistics:

• The Senate Leadership Fund expects to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in the North Carolina Senate race.
• Trump won North Carolina by about 3 percentage points in the 2024 election.
• Democrats need to net four seats to retake the majority in 2026.
• The North Carolina Senate seat is considered a top pick-up opportunity for Democrats in what is expected to be a challenging year.
• Cooper's campaign is expected to face significant financial challenges, with hundreds of millions of dollars expected to be spent in the race.
• The primary election for the North Carolina Senate seat is set to take place on March 3, 2026.

Sources:

• The Associated Press, "Roy Cooper enters US Senate race in North Carolina", August 26, 2025
• The Associated Press, "Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in 2026", June 29, 2025
• The Associated Press, "Senate Leadership Fund blasts Cooper's record", August 26, 2025
• News & Observer, "Roy Cooper announces Senate bid, touts record on economy, education", August 26, 2025
• Raleigh News and Observer, "Roy Cooper's Senate bid sparks reaction from Republicans", August 26, 2025