Former NC Governor Roy Cooper officially announces US Senate 2026 run. Social media buzz, Democratic strategist reactions, media scoop & election analysis.
Roy Cooper Officially Announces U.S.
Author: Global News Daily Now | Date: July 28, 2025
North Carolina’s former two‑term governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his 2026 bid for the U.S. Senate, aiming to reclaim a seat for Democrats in a key swing state. Cooper made the announcement in a video posted to X early Monday morning, sparking immediate reactions online and across national media sources.
What He Said
In his announcement, Cooper framed his campaign as a fight for the “middle class and working North Carolinians,” criticizing Washington Republicans for ballooning the national debt, underfunding Medicaid, and neglecting veterans.
Our nation needs to protect Social Security, Medicaid, and secure health care for families,” Cooper declared in his video.
Social Media Reactions & Celebrity Mentions
Notable Democratic figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, quickly hailed Cooper’s entry:
Cooper is a formidable candidate who will flip North Carolina’s Senate seat,” they stated.
Meanwhile, Republicans on platforms like X responded swiftly with pointed memes labeling Cooper an “elitist career politician” and highlighting fiscal controversies from his tenure. The GOP’s Senate Leadership Fund released a video featuring criticism of Cooper’s gubernatorial record.
Fans on social media rallied behind hashtags like #RunRoyRun, #Cooper2026, and #FlipNC, stirring widespread buzz particularly on X and Threads. One viral Reddit thread praised his record on Medicaid expansion and hurricane recovery, while critics surfaced older clips regarding budget deficits in post-disaster relief projects.
Why This Matters for 2026 Senate Control
Wide-open race: Sen. Thom Tillis (R‑N.C.) declared retirement earlier this month, creating a critical battleground opportunity. Cooper’s entry drastically reshapes the Democratic prospects in North Carolina.
Heavyweight recruit: The Democratic Party sees Cooper as their strongest candidate due to his statewide popularity and clean electoral track record.
Political context: With Republicans holding a slim Senate majority, Democrats must flip at least four seats to regain control. This NC race is central to that path.
Campaign Strategy & Analysis
Cooper’s messaging underscores Medicaid expansion, veteran support, and middle-class protections — issues that resonate in working-class and suburban communities across the state.
Retiring Sen. Tillis is criticized for opposing tax-and-spending legislation tied to Medicaid cuts, effectively handing Cooper a late-stage vulnerability advantage.
Cooper’s Harvard fellowship and multi-decade political experience bolster his credibility, while Republican opponents are positioning him as a career politician out of touch with everyday North Carolinians.
Here’s a comprehensive update on Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley, and the 2026 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina set to fill the open seat of retiring Sen. Thom Tillis:
Roy Cooper (Democrat)
Former two‑term governor of North Carolina (2017–2025) and previously served as state attorney general—undefeated in statewide elections for decades .
On July 28, 2025, he officially launched his Senate campaign with a social media video emphasizing protecting the middle class, opposing tax breaks for billionaires, and warning of threats to Medicare, Social Security, and healthcare funding .
Democrats quickly rallied behind him: state party chair Anderson Clayton and Governor Josh Stein endorsed him, and fellow Democrat Wiley Nickel is reportedly ending his campaign to support Cooper in the primary .
His candidacy is seen as a major win for Democrats, strengthening their chances to flip the seat in a year where they need to pick up at least four GOP-held Senate seats to regain control .
Michael Whatley (Republican)
Chair of the Republican National Committee and former chair of the North Carolina GOP.
Although he hasn’t formally declared his Senate run, he is widely expected to and has already received a “Complete and Total Endorsement” from Donald Trump in late July 2025 .
GOP figures like Senator Tim Scott and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have publicly expressed support. Thune is also scheduled to raise funds in North Carolina this fall .
His lack of prior electoral experience is presented by Republicans as an asset—fewer record vulnerabilities to attack—but by Democrats as a lack of experience in public office .
Why the North Carolina Senate race matters
Thom Tillis, a Republican senator, announced in June 2025 that he would not seek re‑election, largely after a public rift with Trump over his opposition to a GOP tax-and-spending package .
North Carolina is the only Republican-held Senate seat rated a “toss-up” by political analysts like Cook Political Report for 2026, making it the top pickup target for Democrats .
Like Maine’s Susan Collins seat, it’s one of the few GOP-held races seen as in play—flipping it would be essential for Democrats, though they’d still need other major victories to gain control of the Senate .
Both parties are preparing for one of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races ever, with national operatives focusing resources on North Carolina .
At-a-glance comparison
Feature Roy Cooper (D) Michael Whatley (R)
Background 8‑years governor, former AG, longtime North Carolina officeholder RNC Chair, former NC GOP Chair, no elected office experience
Announcement Officially declared July 28, 2025 Expected to run; endorsed by Trump before official declaration
Messaging Defends middle class, criticizes tax cuts for rich, protects social programs Pro-Trump conservative, party-line loyalty
Support and endorsements Strong state and national Democratic backing Full Trump support, unified GOP backing including Thune
Senate map significance Flipping this seat critical for Democrats to reach Senate majority Holds key Republican defensible seat in battleground state
Summary
Roy Cooper’s entrance greatly energizes Democrats in their strategy to flip the Senate. For Republicans, Michael Whatley—loved by Trump and party elites—is seen as a strong contender for retaining the seat. With North Carolina’s race categorized nationally as a toss-up and Tillis stepping aside, both sides are gearing up for what will likely be a high-stakes, high-cost showdown in 2026.