Roy Cooper hints at challenging Thom Tillis for Senate seat in 2026
- Roy Cooper, the two-term governor of North Carolina, is considering a Senate run against incumbent Thom Tillis in 2026.
- Cooper has demonstrated electoral success in the past, winning statewide races despite Republican gains in presidential elections.
- The political landscape is shifting in North Carolina, making the upcoming Senate race potentially competitive for both parties.
In North Carolina, the outgoing Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who is term-limited after serving two terms, is being speculated as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2026. His name has surfaced as a challenger to current Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican. In a recent interview with WSOC, Cooper indicated that he hasn't made a final decision regarding his candidacy but acknowledged that running is a possibility. He emphasized the need to take time to consider his options after leaving the governorship, focusing on what he wants to achieve next in public service. Cooper has a track record of winning statewide elections in North Carolina, having successfully defeated Republican opponents in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, despite Donald Trump prevailing in the same contests. His political resilience has made him a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, and he is seen as an important asset for the Democratic Party. As he prepares to transition from governor to potential Senate candidate, Cooper reflects on his commitment to serve and support North Carolina's interests on a larger scale. With Tillis expected to face significant challenges in the upcoming election, particularly given the state's shifting political landscape favoring Democrats, Cooper’s potential Senate run could be a pivotal moment for the 2026 elections. He will be succeeded by Democrat Josh Stein, the state’s current Attorney General, who won his position in the latest election against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Stein’s successful campaign illustrates the increasing support for Democratic candidates in North Carolina despite the state’s recent Republican leanings in federal elections. During the interview, Cooper shared advice for Stein, suggesting that the incoming governor should persistently advocate for his priorities and strive to build consensus across party lines. This guidance reflects Cooper's experience and the importance of collaboration in governance, which he considers essential for effective leadership. As he contemplates his next steps, the political fate of the Senate seat remains uncertain, with both potential candidates and voters awaiting developments in the coming months.