Overview

• Cooper officially declared his bid on July 28, immediately emerging as the Democratic front-runner for the seat vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis.
• He brings 25 years of statewide experience, including two terms as governor and 16 years as attorney general, and a record of winning tough races in a red-leaning state.
• RNC Chair Michael Whatley secured President Trump’s endorsement July 23 and is preparing to launch his Republican primary campaign.
• Tillis’s June decision not to seek re-election created the first open North Carolina Senate seat since 2008, drawing high-profile contenders on both sides.
• The race is viewed as one of the most competitive of the 2026 cycle, with Democrats needing four net seats to reclaim Senate control and no Democrat winning here since 2008.