Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is reportedly preparing to run for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Cooper is expected to launch his campaign next week to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, teeing up a high-profile contest in a critical swing state, Axios reported Wednesday.
Democrats are already rallying behind cooper, with Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Lauren French telling Axios he would be a “force to be reckoned with” in one of the nation’s most competitive races. (RELATED: ‘The Man That Saved Our Country’: Donald Trump Talks About What He Wants His Legacy To Be)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 22: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks onstage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Cooper is expected to announce his candidacy as soon as July 28, Politico reported. Democratic New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs the party’s Senate campaign arm, has reportedly lobbied Cooper for months and described him to donors as a “formidable candidate,” according to Axios.
Former Rep. Wiley Nickel, a North Carolina Democrat unseated after Republicans redrew his district, launched his own Senate bid in April.
Cooper was once floated as a potential running mate in the 2024 election but instead began the year by taking a post at Harvard.
On the Republican side, Lara Trump — the president’s daughter-in-law — is widely viewed as the early favorite is she decides to enter the race. Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, who previously led the North Carolina GOP, is also considered a top contender. (RELATED: ‘Runaway Favorite’: CNN’s Harry Enten Teases Which Trump Could Dominate NC Senate GOP Primary)
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