POLITICS

Cooper files for open North Carolina U.S. Senate seat

PUBLISHED Dec 3, 2025, 1:42 PM ET

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Cooper files for open North Carolina U.S. Senate seat

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 86%

Right 14%

Sources: 7

Raleigh, N.C. — Former governor Roy Cooper filed on Dec. 3 to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, marking high-profile entry in the 2026 contest. State election records show Cooper filed a day after Republican Michael Whatley, who secured President Donald Trump's endorsement in July. Cooper said Washington is broken and pledged to work across parties on jobs, health care and costs. Additional Republicans including Don Brown and Elizabeth Temple also filed. Primaries will occur March 3, 2026, with the general election slated for November 2026. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

June 2024: Sen. Thom Tillis announces he will not seek reelection.
July 2024: Roy Cooper launches campaign; Michael Whatley receives Trump's endorsement.
Dec. 2, 2024: Michael Whatley files paperwork for the Senate race (per filings).
Dec. 3, 2024: Roy Cooper files officially with the State Board of Elections.
March 3, 2026: North Carolina holds primaries ahead of the November 2026 general election.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Roy Cooper and Democratic strategists benefit from increased visibility, fundraising momentum, and clearer messaging ahead of the 2026 primaries and general election following Cooper's formal filing for the U.S. Senate.

Who Impacted

Republican operatives and potential GOP candidates face increased pressure to consolidate resources and respond to a high-profile Democratic entry into the open North Carolina Senate race.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Republican operatives and potential GOP candidates face increased pressure to consolidate resources and respond to a high-profile Democratic entry into the open North Carolina Senate race.