North Carolina primary sets up Cooper vs Whatley Senate race

Pivotal fall election could decide control of the U.S. Senate

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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North Carolina's U.S. Senate primary will set up a high-stakes race in the fall between former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley. The winner could help determine control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. The race is expected to be one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in U.S. history, potentially reaching $1 billion.

Why it matters

North Carolina is a traditional battleground state where Democrats have been able to hold the governor's seat even as voters helped send former President Donald Trump to the White House. The state's Senate race is one of three key contests kicking off this year's midterm elections, along with Texas and Arkansas. The outcome could be crucial in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate.

The details

Cooper, who served two terms as governor, is the most high-profile Democratic contender, while Whatley, who was buoyed by Trump's backing, is the leading Republican. The two candidates have been campaigning against each other for months with little focus on intraparty opposition. Cooper has centered attacks on Whatley's allegiance to Trump, while Whatley promises to keep pushing the former president's agenda if elected.

  • North Carolina's primary will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The general election for the U.S. Senate seat is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Roy Cooper

Former Democratic governor of North Carolina who is the party's best shot at winning the open Senate seat.

Michael Whatley

Former Republican National Committee chairman who is the leading Republican contender for the Senate race and has the backing of former President Donald Trump.

Thom Tillis

Current Republican U.S. senator from North Carolina who is retiring, leaving the seat open.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. president whose policies and agenda Whatley promises to continue if elected to the Senate.

Lara Trump

Daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump who declined to enter the Senate race, paving the way for Whatley's candidacy.

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What they’re saying

“It's very important for us to have a conservative champion and for President Trump to have an ally in the Senate. We're going to be fighting for every family and every community in North Carolina.”

— Michael Whatley (Breitbart)

“I think we need to send a message. And I think the more Democrats that show up, and the more independents that show up for this midterm election, and the more seats we can take from the Republicans, the more he might get the message.”

— Lisa Frucht, Voter (Breitbart)

“It'll be a repeat of what they did to Trump in the first term. And they can't see anything except getting Trump, at any cost.”

— Gary Grimes, Voter (Breitbart)

“I want to make sure that I'm a strong, independent senator who can work with this president when I can, stand up to him when I need to and recognize that people are struggling right now.”

— Roy Cooper (Breitbart)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic and Republican primaries on March 3 will face off in the general election in November 2026, which could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

North Carolina's Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and expensive contests in the country, with the outcome potentially deciding the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The high-profile matchup between Cooper and Whatley, with their contrasting political ideologies and ties to the Trump administration, will be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections.