Cooper to Declare Bid for Open NC Senate Seat, Sources Say

Roy Cooper Announces Bid for U.S. Senate Seat in North Carolina

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has made the decision to run for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, with plans to officially announce his campaign before the end of the month. This move comes as a significant development in the political landscape of North Carolina, where Democrats are looking to regain a seat they lost in 2014 to Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Tillis, who is not seeking re-election, has left a void that both parties are now vying to fill.

Cooper’s entry into the race brings much-needed clarity to the Democratic strategy, which aims to flip at least four Senate seats to gain control of the chamber during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. North Carolina, a crucial battleground state, has seen a decade-long stretch without a Democratic Senate victory. The 2026 race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with substantial resources anticipated to be poured into key states.

Current Candidates and Political Landscape

The only Democrat currently in the race is former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel, who gained attention after defeating Trump-endorsed Republican Bo Hines in the 13th Congressional District in 2022. Nickel has expressed confidence in his ability to win again, stating, “I've flipped a red seat blue before against Trump's hand-picked candidate, and I can do it again.” He emphasized his focus on holding the administration accountable and presenting a better vision for North Carolina’s future.

However, many political analysts believe that Cooper could be the strongest candidate for the Democrats. As a two-term governor, Cooper has a long history of reaching across the aisle and has maintained popularity even in years when Trump won the state’s electoral college votes. His political career, spanning back to the mid-1980s, has been marked by consistent success, including his role as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Cooper has also been actively raising funds, with a particular focus on Washington. Recent weeks have seen him garner support from top state Democrats, including Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson.

GOP Strategies and Potential Candidates

On the Republican side, the race remains uncertain. Tillis’s decision not to seek re-election came after he opposed Trump-backed legislation that would have ended Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians. This opposition created a rift between Tillis and Trump, leading to speculation about the future of the Republican nomination.

Several candidates have already announced their intentions to seek the GOP nomination, including former lieutenant governor candidate Andy Nilsson and former congressional candidate Don Brown. However, Republicans are also looking for bigger names who might seek the president’s endorsement.

Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is reportedly considering a run despite living in Florida. Other potential candidates include Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who previously ran the state party and is registered to vote in North Carolina. U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan, representing North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District, is also a possibility.

Impact of Trump’s Influence

The Republican nomination will likely hinge heavily on who the president supports in the race. Cooper’s decision to run could also influence the Republican field, according to sources familiar with GOP thinking. Having the Trump name on the ballot is seen as an advantage for Republicans, given the party’s past successes in North Carolina. However, Cooper’s broad appeal across political lines may deter some potential candidates.

If Lara Trump decides not to run, attention could shift to Whatley, who has proven to be a strong fundraiser for the Republican Party. The outcome of this race will have significant implications for both parties as they prepare for the 2026 elections.