Cooper Rallies Supporters in Durham for 'Make Stuff Cost Less' Campaign

Former NC Governor Focuses on Cost of Living Issues in U.S. Senate Bid

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:35am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary political podium or lectern set against a dimly lit urban backdrop, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the mood and setting of a campaign rally focused on cost of living issues.The warm glow of the afternoon sun casts a nostalgic light on the stage where North Carolina Democrats rallied to address the state's affordability crisis.Durham Today

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper held a campaign rally in Durham on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as part of his 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour for his U.S. Senate bid. The event featured several prominent North Carolina Democratic officials who endorsed Cooper's campaign and argued that Republican control of Washington is contributing to the affordability crisis.

Why it matters

This rally is a key part of Cooper's strategy to focus his Senate campaign on addressing the high cost of living, which has become a major issue for voters. The event showcased Cooper's support from state and local Democratic leaders as he seeks to flip the Senate seat.

The details

The rally was held at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham and included speeches from Cooper as well as Gov. Josh Stein, N.C. Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, and state Sen. Natalie Murdock. The elected officials argued that Republican policies have contributed to rising prices and the affordability crisis facing many North Carolina families.

  • The rally took place on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Cooper won the Democratic primary last month and is now focusing his campaign on the 'Make Stuff Cost Less' message.

The players

Roy Cooper

The Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate and former Governor of North Carolina.

Josh Stein

The current Governor of North Carolina.

Anita Earls

An Associate Justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Valerie Foushee

U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 4th congressional district.

Natalie Murdock

A state senator representing North Carolina's 20th district.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the affordability crisis facing North Carolina families. Republican control in Washington is a big part of the problem.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina

“I'm proud to endorse Roy Cooper's campaign to make stuff cost less for the people of our state.”

— Anita Earls, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice

What’s next

Cooper's campaign will continue its 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour across North Carolina in the coming weeks as he seeks to flip the U.S. Senate seat in November.

The takeaway

This rally demonstrates the strong support Cooper has from North Carolina's Democratic establishment as he focuses his Senate campaign on the key issue of affordability and the cost of living. His ability to mobilize this coalition will be crucial in the general election.