Roy Cooper wins North Carolina Senate election, flipping seat for Democrats, CBS News projects

On November 4, 2026, Democrat Roy Cooper won the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, defeating Republican Michael Whatley, a close ally of President Donald Trump. This victory flips a traditionally Republican-held seat and is seen as significant for Democrats' efforts to take control of the Senate. The race was closely watched due to its potential impact on whether an association with President Trump represents a political advantage or disadvantage. Cooper's win marks his seventh consecutive statewide victory, following previous wins in four gubernatorial races. With 66.40% of votes counted, Cooper secured 57.63%, while Whatley received 31.96%. The Senate Leadership Fund, a major Republican super PAC, had earlier cancelled millions in advertising planned for North Carolina, signaling the party's diminishing confidence in the race.