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