A senior Republican senator has issued a warning to fellow GOP rivals as the 2026 North Carolina Senate race heats up, underscoring the kinds of mistakes the party must avoid if it hopes to hold the seat.
The race pits former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who launched his campaign on Monday, against likely Republican nominee Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee. With Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) unexpectedly stepping aside, Republicans face mounting pressure to field a strong contender, and not repeat past errors.
Last week, when Tillis was asked by NOTUS about how he views the potential matchup between Cooper and Whatley, he described it as “a knife fight in a telephone booth.”
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Tillis also noted in his comment to the news outlet that even as an incumbent he would have faced a tough battle. He emphasized that the campaign would be challenging and expressed hope that Whatley is prepared to take it on.
Cooper officially launched his bid on Monday, revealing a long career in statewide office and a reputation for disciplined campaigns that draw support from moderate and even Republican voters. He made the announcement in a post on the social platform X, stating: “I have thought on it and prayed about it, and I have decided: I am running to be the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina.”
Democrats hailed Cooper as the strongest recruit in their 2026 cycle. A NOTUS report published Monday noted that he is widely seen as the kind of “gold‑plated candidate Democrats are desperate to recruit.”
The open seat emerged after Tillis announced last month that he would not seek reelection. The North Carolina Republican stepped down following a public clash with President Donald Trump over deep Medicaid cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and garnering concern among Republicans about loyalty and electability.
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With Lara Trump, the president’s daughter‑in‑law, declining to enter the race, Whatley has emerged as the GOP consensus pick and secured Trump’s “complete and total endorsement.”
Republican critics, including NRSC and party operatives, were swift to launch negative messaging against Cooper. Their ads and statements accuse him of supporting “woke” policies, tax hikes, and mishandling disasters — branding him a dangerous, out‑of‑touch candidate.
Political analysts describe the North Carolina race as one of the most expensive and closely watched contests of 2026. With the GOP majority in the Senate precarious and dozens of seats in play, success or failure here could influence control of the chamber.