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2mo ago

Cooper, Whatley Win N.C. Primaries, Setting Up Pivotal Senate Clash

The open seat is a top target that could decide Senate control in a swing state where unaffiliated voters hold the balance.

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OXON HILL, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Whatley speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on February 21, 2025 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The annual four-day gathering brings together conservative U.S. lawmakers, international leaders, media personalities and businessmen to discuss and champion conservative ideas.

Overview

  • Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley secured their nominations on March 3 for the race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis, formalizing a marquee November matchup.
  • Federal Election Commission reports show Cooper with roughly $21 million raised to Whatley’s nearly $6.5 million, giving the Democrat a substantial early cash edge.
  • Early public polling has Cooper ahead of Whatley in multiple surveys, including a 10‑point Change Research lead and additional advantages in TIPP Insights and Harper polling.
  • Both parties view North Carolina as central to the fight for Senate control, with outside spending forecast to reach record levels and the contest widely expected to be one of the cycle’s most expensive.
  • Unaffiliated voters constitute the largest share of the electorate at about 39%, and the campaigns are centering messages on immigration, crime, Hurricane Helene recovery, and the economy, with Whatley running on President Donald Trump’s endorsement.