Skip to main content
6 min read

Rising prices unite NC voters, but age splits Senate race, AARP poll finds

The poll found Whatley trailing Cooper overall but leading among voters 50 and older.

Rising prices unite NC voters, but age splits Senate race, AARP poll finds
Image · The News&Observer

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
Outlet credibilityThe News&Observer79/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Sep 28, 2026
tl;dr

An AARP poll of likely North Carolina voters found Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley in the Senate race, with age-related differences in their support and in turnout motivation. Rising prices ranked as voters’ top concern across age groups, while older voters placed particular importance on Social Security and Medicare.

Community verdict

7 VOTES
How does this story look for
● OPEN

People in this story

SWIPE →

Republican candidate in the North Carolina Senate race

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Roy Cooper
D · NC

Democratic candidate in the North Carolina Senate race

Cooper's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose North Carolina job approval was reported in the poll

Former president referenced in a comparison with North Carolina's 2022 midterm turnout

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Democratic presidential candidate referenced in a comparison with the poll's 2024 respondent preferences

Ted Budd
R · NC · SEN

Senator whose job approval was included in the poll

ALSO MENTIONED  Josh Stein, Governor whose job approval was included in the poll

Part of a bigger story

4 OUTLETS
AARP Poll Reports on North Carolina Voter Priorities and Senate Race

An AARP poll found Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley by 11 points among likely North Carolina voters in the Senate race. Center outlets place the poll amid broader Republican challenges, including Trump’s approval and cost-of-living concerns. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Cooper’s lead and the possibility of Republicans redirecting campaign resources.

Discussion · 0

What's your take?

Loading comments…