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

The poll found Cooper leading Michael Whatley overall and among younger voters.

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

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Roy Cooper D · NC
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Roy Cooper
D · NC

Democratic candidate in the North Carolina Senate race

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Republican candidate in the North Carolina Senate race

Whatley'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 Finds Roy Cooper Leading in North Carolina 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 emphasize Cooper’s polling lead, including his advantage among independents and Republican challenges. Right-leaning outlets connect the lead to the race’s competitiveness and possible shifts in Republican campaign resources.

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