Roy Cooper is synonymous with steady leadership and a knack for winning tough races. After serving as North Carolina’s 75th governor from 2017 to 2025, Cooper is now setting his sights on the U.S. Senate in 2026, aiming to flip a key Republican-held seat. For U.S. readers, especially North Carolinians, this move is big news—a chance to see a proven leader take his fight for the middle class to Washington, D.C.
In this guide, we’ll dive into Cooper’s remarkable career, his achievements as governor, what’s driving his Senate campaign, and why it matters for America in 2025. Ready to explore why Roy Cooper is a name to watch in 2026? Let’s get started!
Who Is Roy Cooper? A North Carolina Native’s Rise
Born in Nashville, North Carolina, in 1957, Roy Asberry Cooper III grew up on a farm, the son of a teacher and a lawyer. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned a Juris Doctor and kicked off his career in law and politics. Cooper’s journey began in the North Carolina House of Representatives (1987–1991) and Senate (1991–2001), followed by a record-breaking 16 years as the state’s Attorney General (2001–2017), the longest tenure in North Carolina history.
In 2016, Cooper made history by defeating Republican incumbent Pat McCrory to become governor—the first challenger to unseat a sitting governor in North Carolina. He won re-election in 2020 against Dan Forest, proving his ability to win in a state that often leans Republican in federal races. Now, in 2025, Cooper is leveraging his strong in-state brand to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
Why It Matters: Cooper’s track record of winning statewide races in a battleground state makes him a formidable candidate for 2026, especially for U.S. voters seeking change.
Roy Cooper’s Legacy as North Carolina Governor
Cooper’s eight years as governor were defined by his focus on education, healthcare, and economic growth, often in the face of a Republican-dominated legislature. Here’s a look at his key achievements:
1. Expanding Medicaid for North Carolinians
After years of negotiations, Cooper secured Medicaid expansion in 2023, providing health insurance to nearly 670,000 North Carolinians. This was a landmark victory, improving access to healthcare for low-income families.
Why It Resonates: For U.S. readers, especially those concerned about healthcare access, Cooper’s push for Medicaid expansion shows his commitment to working families.
2. Leading Through Crises
Cooper steered North Carolina through major challenges, including Hurricanes Helene (2024) and Florence (2018), as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during these crises earned him praise for prioritizing public safety and recovery, though some Republicans criticized his response times.
3. Fighting for Education
As the son of a schoolteacher, Cooper championed education, pushing for higher teacher pay and smaller class sizes. He proclaimed 2024 “The Year of Public Schools,” advocating for investments in teachers and students.
4. Tackling the “Bathroom Bill” Controversy
Early in his tenure, Cooper helped roll back the controversial “bathroom bill” (HB2), which restricted transgender access to public restrooms and sparked national debate. This move restored North Carolina’s reputation and boosted its economy.
Why Roy Cooper Is Running for U.S. Senate in 2026
On July 28, 2025, Cooper announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to replace retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. In a video shared on social media, he framed his campaign as a fight for the middle class, warning that “our country is facing a moment as fragile as any I can remember.” He criticized D.C. politicians for prioritizing billionaires over working families, promising to bring his North Carolina values to Washington.
Key Campaign Themes
- Affordability: Cooper emphasizes making life easier for the middle class, tackling rising costs for food, rent, and healthcare.
- Healthcare: Building on his Medicaid expansion success, he aims to protect and expand healthcare access nationwide.
- Bipartisanship: Known for working with Republicans to balance budgets and raise teacher pay, Cooper positions himself as a unifier.
Why It’s a Big Deal: The 2026 North Carolina Senate race is one of the most competitive in the nation, with Democrats seeing Cooper as their best shot to flip a seat in a state they haven’t won federally since 2008.
What Makes Roy Cooper a Strong Candidate?
Cooper’s Senate bid is generating buzz for several reasons:
1. Proven Track Record
With nearly 40 years in politics and no statewide election losses, Cooper’s “aw-shucks” demeanor and strong approval ratings make him a favorite. His ability to win in a purple state sets him apart.
2. Fundraising Power
Cooper’s campaign is expected to attract “unprecedented” national donor money, crucial in North Carolina’s expensive media markets. This financial edge could transform the race.
3. Democratic Support
Endorsements from Gov. Josh Stein, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee signal strong party backing. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel, a primary opponent, is expected to drop out and endorse Cooper.
Fun Fact: Cooper was considered a top pick for Kamala Harris’s 2024 VP running mate but declined, citing concerns about leaving North Carolina’s governance to a controversial lieutenant governor.
Challenges Ahead in the 2026 Senate Race
While Cooper is the Democratic front-runner, the race won’t be easy. Here’s what he faces:
- Republican Opposition: Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, endorsed by Donald Trump, is a likely opponent. Republicans have criticized Cooper’s record, citing his COVID-19 restrictions and vetoes on school choice and tax cuts.
- Tough Senate Map: Democrats need to flip at least four seats to take the Senate, and North Carolina is a rare opportunity. The state’s independent voters often lean Republican in federal races.
- Culture Wars: Republicans may attack Cooper on issues like abortion rights or transgender policies, though Democrats urge him to focus on economic issues.
What to Watch: Follow the race on social media with #RoyCooper2026 or #NCSenate2026 for updates!
How to Follow Roy Cooper’s Senate Campaign
Want to stay updated on Cooper’s 2026 Senate run? Here’s how U.S. readers can get involved:
- Visit His Campaign Site: Check roycooper.com for news and ways to support his campaign.
- Follow on Social Media: Track Cooper’s updates on X or Facebook with #RoyCooper2026 to join the conversation.
- Explore More News: Visit trusted sources like PBS News or Politico for race updates.
- Learn About the Issues: Dive into our guide to 2026 Senate races for context on why North Carolina matters.
Conclusion: Roy Cooper’s Fight for America’s Future
Roy Cooper’s journey from a Nash County farm to North Carolina’s governor’s mansion and now to the 2026 U.S. Senate race is a testament to his dedication to public service. With a legacy of expanding healthcare, strengthening education, and leading through crises, Cooper is poised to be a game-changer in one of 2026’s most competitive races. For U.S. voters, especially in North Carolina, his campaign offers a chance to support a leader who’s fought for the middle class and isn’t done yet.
What do you think of Roy Cooper’s Senate run? Are you excited to see him take on Washington? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media with #RoyCooper2026. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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