Cooper wins North Carolina 2026 Senate election, flipping a seat for Democrats

Cooper defeats Whatley

Cooper, 69, served two terms as governor and is North Carolina’s longest-serving state attorney general. His candidacy made the state a leading opportunity for Democrats seeking to win a Republican-held seat in the 2026 midterms.

Two different campaign messages

Whatley, 57, had not previously run for office. He was the former chairman of the Republican National Committee and received backing from President Trump. Whatley campaigned on advancing Trump’s agenda and conservative values. Cooper focused on the economy and used the message “make stuff cost less.”

A competitive state race

North Carolina had not elected a Democratic senator since 2008. The contest was expected to be competitive even before Tillis opted out, as Trump won the state by three points in 2024.

The article says Trump’s unpopular war with Iran and high gas prices did not appear to help Whatley’s chances. Whatley’s ties to the president were a prominent feature of the race.

Senate control at stake

Cooper’s projected win comes as Republicans work to maintain control of the Senate. Competitive races emerged in several states that Trump had carried comfortably in 2024. Democrats needed to flip four seats while also defending several others, according to the report.