Roy Cooper wins in North Carolina, flipping Senate seat for Democrats

In North Carolina's recent Senate race, Democrat Roy Cooper secured a victory over Republican Michael Whatley, according to CBS News projections. This result represents a significant shift in the political landscape, as the GOP's Sen. Thom Tillis decided not to run again. Cooper, a popular two-term governor and the state's longest-serving attorney general, represents a strong Democratic presence in the region.

His campaign focused on economic issues, emphasizing the need to make stuff cost less for North Carolina's residents. In contrast, Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman, had no prior political experience. He was backed by President Trump, who encouraged his candidacy, having served in the George W. Bush administration and as chief of staff for North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole.

Whatley played a pivotal role in Trump's reelection effort as RNC chair and entered the Senate race with the president's support. Notably, North Carolina had not elected a Democratic senator since 2008, making Cooper's win a major accomplishment. The race was closely contested, as Trump won the state by just three points in 2024, indicating a competitive environment.

Despite the president's unpopular stance on the Iran war and high gas prices, Whatley's close association with Trump did not appear to benefit the GOP in North Carolina. As Republicans struggle to maintain control of the Senate, Cooper's win highlights a need for Democrats to flip four seats and defend a few others.