Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Announces Senate Run
In a significant political move, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared his candidacy for the United States Senate on Monday. His campaign aims to fill the seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who has opted not to seek reelection in 2026.
Cooper, representing the Democratic Party, framed his electoral campaign as a critical struggle for the middle class in America. In a video shared on social media, he remarked, “Today, for too many Americans, the middle class feels like a distant dream. Meanwhile, the biggest corporations and the richest Americans have grabbed unimaginable wealth at your expense. It’s time for that to change.”
Addressing Economic Challenges
Emphasizing the country’s precarious situation, he stated, “We are facing a moment as fragile as any I can remember,” warning that the upcoming election would be pivotal in determining the fate of the American middle class.
Cooper expressed a desire to remain focused on North Carolina but felt compelled to run after being disillusioned by Washington’s decisions, which he criticized for exacerbating the national debt and cutting vital health care support for low-income families in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy. He is adamant about the need for change in these areas.
Support and Fundraising Success
Shortly after launching his campaign video at 8 a.m. ET, Cooper achieved an impressive fundraising milestone, raising $1 million by 11:30 a.m., a clear indication of his strong support and potential viability as a candidate.
This announcement coincides with recent legislative action where Congress passed a substantive spending bill, drawing public scrutiny. This bill, which has been dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” extends tax cuts from President Trump’s 2017 legislation and includes increased funding for border security and defense. However, many view it as detrimental to health care programs, predicting it may add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over the next decade.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Announced Candidate | Roy Cooper |
| Previous Position | Governor of North Carolina |
| Amount Raised | $1 million |
| Next Election Year | 2026 |
| Legislative Context | “Big beautiful bill” approved with major implications on budget |
Looking Ahead
Cooper, who previously held the office of North Carolina Attorney General for almost four terms—making him the longest-serving in that position—has made it clear he views this Senate race as crucial to securing a better economic future for Americans. He stated emphatically, “I want to serve as your next United States Senator because, even now, I still believe our best days are ahead.”
As the political landscape evolves, Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley is also expected to announce his candidacy for Tillis’ Senate seat shortly, indicating a competitive race ahead.
In light of this announcement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a joint statement welcoming Cooper, labeling him a “formidable candidate” who has the potential to flip North Carolina’s Senate seat, suggesting that the Republican majority might be at risk in the upcoming elections.
