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GOP Super PAC Launches $17 Million Ad Blitz as Cooper Holds Lead in North Carolina Senate Race

The large Republican ad buy signals a national push that could tighten the contest with implications for control of the Senate.

North Carolina Republican Senate candidate former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley speaks at a primary election night watch party Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley gives remarks after being re-elected as chairman at the annual RNC winter meeting at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on January 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the meeting, delegates from the Republican National Committee voted on officer roles. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Senate Leadership Fund announced a $17 million summer ad buy on Wednesday as the first tranche of a pledged $71 million to boost Republican Michael Whatley and attack Democrat Roy Cooper’s record.
  • A Fox News poll conducted July 23–27 shows Cooper leading Whatley 53% to 44% and reports a Democratic enthusiasm advantage that widens the gap among voters who say they are highly motivated to vote.
  • Cooper has a clear fundraising edge based on second-quarter reports, with his campaign reporting substantially higher receipts and cash on hand than Whatley through June.
  • Outside groups on both sides have already reserved tens of millions in ad time and national Democratic super PACs have pledged multi‑million dollar responses, setting the stage for heavier spending and sharper messaging after Labor Day.
  • The race matters for Senate control because North Carolina is politically mixed; Republicans emphasize Cooper’s record on early prisoner releases in their attacks while Democrats call those claims false and point to Cooper’s broader statewide appeal.