Opinion

NC’s Senate race may not be ‘most expensive in history’ after all

Whatley's fortunes will come down to a successful introduction to the voters, a real slip in Cooper's positive image, and good news on the national and international front in order to improve the economy and boost Trump's (and the overall GOP) favorability.

David Larson

May 2026 — Cooper’s lead over Whatley in Senate race widens

RALEIGH — Former Governor Roy Cooper has expanded his lead in the race for North Carolina’s US Senate seat. The latest Carolina Journal Poll found that 49.8% of likely North Carolina voters support Cooper, while 38.7% support former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley. These results indicate an 11.1-point lead for Cooper — a noteworthy...

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News

HPU poll shows Cooper leading Whatley by 8 in Senate race  

The poll found 50% of likely North Carolina voters said they would support Cooper, the Democratic candidate, while 42% said they would vote for Whatley. Another 6% said they were unsure or would not vote, while 2% selected another candidate or party.

Anna Claire Walker