Raleigh, Nov 04 (V7N)- Democratic candidate and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has won the state's US Senate election, defeating Republican candidate Michael Whatley in a significant victory for the Democratic Party in the 2026 US midterm elections.
Cooper's victory flips a Republican-held Senate seat to the Democrats, strengthening the party's efforts to regain control of the US Senate.
According to the Associated Press, Cooper defeated Whatley by nearly 20 percentage points, securing approximately 58.7 percent of the vote against his Republican rival's 39.1 percent.
The election marks the first time since 2008 that North Carolina has elected a Democrat to one of its two Senate seats. The state last sent a Democratic senator to Washington in the same year Barack Obama won North Carolina during his first presidential campaign.
Cooper will succeed Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who decided not to seek a third term. Tillis had previously criticised several policies pursued by President Donald Trump, creating tensions within the Republican Party.
A former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Whatley entered the race with Trump's endorsement and campaigned on supporting the president's political agenda and conservative priorities.
Cooper, meanwhile, focused his campaign on economic issues, particularly reducing the cost of everyday necessities, improving healthcare access and addressing housing affordability.
Throughout the campaign, Cooper maintained a lead over Whatley in public opinion polls. Republican organisations also reduced their financial investment in the race and redirected campaign resources to other competitive states as the election approached.
The result carries particular significance because North Carolina has supported Trump in all three presidential elections held since 2016. Despite the state's Republican-leaning voting history, Cooper managed to secure a decisive victory.
The Democratic Party had identified North Carolina as one of its most important opportunities to gain a Republican-held Senate seat in the midterm elections.
Cooper's victory is expected to strengthen the Democrats' position in the Senate and marks a notable shift in North Carolina's representation in Washington.
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