Gov. Roy Cooper Expected To Enter North Carolina Senate Race

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is preparing to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate, according to sources familiar with his plans. Axios reports that Cooper is expected to officially announce his candidacy next week.

Democrats see Cooper as a formidable contender thanks to his success in winning two statewide elections in a politically divided state. He first won the governorship in 2016 by narrowly defeating the Republican incumbent and was re-elected in 2020—both times prevailing even as Donald Trump carried North Carolina.

His potential entry into the race could reshape the Democratic primary. Former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel has already declared his candidacy, though it remains unclear whether he will stay in the race if Cooper moves forward.

Flipping North Carolina is seen as crucial for Democrats hoping to retake the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority. Along with Maine, North Carolina represents one of the party’s best opportunities to gain ground, especially in states won by Trump.