Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley battle for NC's open Senate seat
Whatley is challenging Cooper while emphasizing public safety, immigration and former President Trump’s support.
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TAP FOR WHYOutlet credibility · Axios88/100 HIGH
134 stories · 87–89 · updated Sep 25, 2026
This article1 analysis · Sep 21, 2026
SOURCEAxios
Published Sep 21, 2026
tl;dr
Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley are competing for North Carolina’s open Senate seat, which could help determine control of the chamber. The race is focused on the economy, public safety, Trump’s influence and Cooper’s record during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Michael Whatley
NC · SEN
Republican Senate candidate and former Republican National Committee chair
PRIMARY SUBJECT
Roy Cooper
NC · SEN
Democratic Senate candidate and former North Carolina governor
Cooper's version of this story ↗
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