In a political world where money talks, Roy Cooper’s entry into the 2026 Senate race just screamed. The former North Carolina governor not only jumped into the race but did so by smashing fundraising records within the first 24 hours — a bold start to what’s projected to become one of the most expensive Senate races in U.S. history.
A $650–$800 Million Battle: Welcome to North Carolina
Political strategists from both parties are sounding the alarm: this is no ordinary campaign. Estimates suggest that the total spending in the North Carolina Senate race could soar to $650 to $800 million, outpacing the $500 million Georgia Senate race in 2022.
But what makes this contest so costly — and so compelling?
Two Political Titans
- Roy Cooper, a two-term Democratic governor with six statewide wins under his belt.
- Michael Whatley, RNC chair, a first-time candidate, and a Trump-endorsed conservative insider.
As Democratic state Sen. Jay Chaudhuri put it: “Not since Jesse Helms vs. Jim Hunt have you had two such nationally prominent candidates run against each other.”
And this time, it’s not just about North Carolina. With Democrats shut out at the federal level, Cooper’s campaign is a beacon for Democrats trying to retake the Senate and balance power in Washington.
Cooper’s Launch: Big Bucks, Big Promises
Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign launched with a bang — not only due to the cash raised, but also the messaging. His campaign video hit hot-button issues:
- Attacking Republicans for cutting Medicaid
- Calling out “disrespect” toward veterans
- Criticizing national debt increases
His strategist, Morgan Jackson, told MSNBC: “Cooper staked his career on expanding Medicaid and 650,000 North Carolinians have it now because of him.”
Meanwhile, Republican strategists are scrambling to paint Cooper as a liberal in disguise. The Senate Leadership Fund’s $200,000 digital ad blitz has already coined the phrase “Radical Roy”, accusing Cooper of masquerading as a moderate while promoting sanctuary cities and radical ideologies.
Whatley’s Challenge: A Fresh Face With Big Backing
While Michael Whatley hasn’t officially launched his campaign, he’s clearly the GOP’s pick. With Trump’s endorsement and ties to the RNC donor machine, Whatley’s war chest could quickly catch up.
But there’s a catch:
- He’s never run for office before
- He has low name recognition statewide
- He lacks Cooper’s deep ties with swing voters
According to one anonymous GOP strategist, “Nobody knows who Whatley is. It’s all going to come down to money and who can define who first.”
Medicaid: The Defining Issue
One of the most potent wedge issues? Healthcare. Tillis, the outgoing Republican senator, denounced Trump’s Medicaid-slashing bill, warning that 660,000 North Carolinians could lose coverage. He voted against it — and then promptly bowed out of the race.
Cooper, who successfully expanded Medicaid in 2023, is seizing the moment. “Washington Republicans are going to strip it away,” he said in an MSNBC interview.
As Democrats see it, the choice couldn’t be clearer.
“Cooper can work across the aisle to find solutions,” says Jackson. “I’m not sure Whatley has met a swing voter, much less had a conversation with one.”
Governors in the Senate: A Mixed Track Record
Republicans are betting that Cooper, like other governors before him, will stumble in the federal spotlight.
Here’s how that’s worked out in the past:
| Governor | State | Senate Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Bullock | Montana | Lost (2020) |
| Phil Bredesen | Tennessee | Lost (2018) |
| Larry Hogan | Maryland | Lost (2024) |
| Maggie Hassan | New Hampshire | Won (2018) |
So while the odds aren’t perfect, Cooper’s record and name recognition in a true battleground state give him a fighting chance.
Can North Carolina Swing Blue?
North Carolina remains purple — it voted for Trump in 2020 but has a history of electing Democrats statewide. Cooper’s down-to-earth persona, often described as “the good ole boy from Rocky Mount,” resonates with middle-of-the-road voters.
Even a Republican strategist admitted: “So far, nobody’s been able to effectively message against that.”
2026: A Midterm Like No Other
With so much national attention and money flowing in, this race is more than just a state contest — it’s a test of how much influence Trump still holds and how much sway moderate Democrats can reclaim.
Whether Cooper can ride his momentum into the U.S. Senate, or whether Whatley’s conservative credentials and Trump’s backing will tip the scales, remains to be seen.
But one thing’s certain: North Carolina is the battleground to watch.
