Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race on Monday, launching his campaign with a video announcement posted to social media. His decision follows Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ decision not to seek reelection after sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump.
In the announcement, Cooper, a Democrat, focused on strengthening the middle class and defending Social Security and Medicaid. He said he’s “had enough” of Washington politicians raising the national debt and “disrespecting” veterans.
Cooper’s candidacy marks a major shift in a race that Democrats see as critical to regaining control of the U.S. Senate. Despite dominating recent gubernatorial races, the party has not won a North Carolina Senate seat since 2008.
In the video, Cooper highlighted his background as state attorney general and two-term governor. He noted his efforts to prosecute fraud, regulate powerful industries, and work across the aisle to expand Medicaid and balance the state budget.
His entry complicates the field for fellow Democrat and former Congressman Wiley Nickel, who launched his campaign in April. Nickel previously declined to say whether he would remain in the race if Cooper joined.
On the Republican side, RNC Chair Michael Whatley is expected to enter the race soon. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the former president, confirmed she would not run. In a statement Monday, the National Republican Senatorial Committee dismissed Cooper as a “Democrat lapdog.”
The race is expected to become one of the most competitive in the country, with high stakes for both parties heading into 2026.
