Democrats still in the dumps over last year's elections have found cause for optimism in North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper jumped into the race for that state's newly open seat with a vow to address voters' persistent concerns about the challenges of making ends meet.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley kicked off his campaign against former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley entered the 2026 North Carolina Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Thom Tillis in expected costly battle.