North Carolina U.S. Senate Election 2026 Live Results: Roy Cooper Wins
North Carolina U.S. Senate Election 2026 Live Results: Roy Cooper Wins: Follow live election results as voters head to the polls for the 2026 North Carolina ...
nbcnews.com/politics/2026-elections/north-carolina-senate-results
Key FactsCooper takes North Carolina Senate seat for Democrats
Nov 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thedailybeast.com
  • Roy Cooper decisively defeated Michael Whatley on Tuesday night, denying Republicans the chance to defend the open seat.

  • Donald Trump personally recruited Whatley; Senator Thom Tillis had announced the previous year that he would not seek another term.

  • In early October, the leading Republican Senate super PAC canceled its remaining North Carolina ads, shifting tens of millions of dollars to other battleground races.

  • Exit polls indicated about 70 percent wanted Congress to do more to check Trump, while about 60 percent blamed him for high prices.
  • “I have watched for the last two years as Congress has failed to do their job, so I came here with the intention of putting people in seats that will do their job. I absolutely voted for Roy Cooper.”— North Carolina voter Matt Sheets told CNN as he cast his vote on Tuesday morning.
Former Gov. Roy Cooper defeats former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley and wins North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race. READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
Key FactsBottoms projected to become the US’s first Black woman governor
Nov 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: huffpost.com
  • Her projected victory would make her Georgia’s first Democratic governor in 23 years.

  • Republican opponent Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, spent tens of millions of dollars more.

  • In the only debate with Jackson, Bottoms said she wanted to make Georgia more affordable and protect abortion and voting rights.

  • If elected, Bottoms could use her veto to block many Statehouse measures; Republicans have held a majority there for over 20 years.
Election 2026 live results: Democrats take House, Acton projected winner ...
Election 2026 live results: Democrats take House, Acton projected winner in Ohio gov. race
abcnews.com/Politics/live-updates/midterm-elections-live-updates/
Former Gov. Roy Cooper defeats former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley and wins North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race. READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
Democrats are currently leading by double digits in every statewide contest in Texas. “Worst. Case. Scenario,” said Matt Mackowiak ... Show more
Our endorsement: A stark choice for North Carolina in the US Senate race
OpinionOur endorsement: A stark choice for North Carolina in the US Senate race: Who does the Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer editorial board support: ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317656872.html
Two
Two "flips" in Senate elections: Democrats take North and South Carolina from Republicans
n-tv.de/politik/Demokraten-nehmen-Republikanern-North-und-South-Carolina-ab-id31491902.html
Some of our highlights from Election Night so far! - Lindsey Graham’s seat flipped - Susan Collins defeated - Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy - Melat Kiros ... Show more
Steve Kornacki warned Republicans need to rally “in an extreme way” to salvage Texas before NBC hosts cut in with the projection that Roy Cooper won North ... Show more
#BREAKING : The first Democratic pickup in the Senate has been called, with Roy Cooper declared the winner in North Carolina. Cooper was so popular in the state ... Show more

Watch America Decides 2026: The Midterms Season 2026, Catch Up TV - 9Now - Watch Channel 9 Live TV Streams
In his victory speech, Roy Cooper says he’ll take North Carolinians’ concerns about tariffs, health care, farm costs and affordability to Washington.
Cooper’s Senate win, GOP ‘mandate’: What Charlotte Observer readers talked about on Election Day READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
NC Gov. Josh Stein boosts fellow Democrats campaigning ahead of Election ...
NC Gov. Josh Stein boosts fellow Democrats campaigning ahead of Election Day: With Election Day approaching, Gov. Josh Stein helps Democratic candidates in North ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317735622.html
With early voting underway in North Carolina, Democrats are backing former Gov. Roy Cooper against former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley in a bid to win the ... Show more
In maps and charts, see how the midterm election results shifted North ...
In maps and charts, see how the midterm election results shifted North Carolina: Detailed maps and charts show Cooper’s Senate victory, Democratic gains in the ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article317922667.html
It’s Election Day. What would a bluer legislature mean for higher ed in ...
It’s Election Day. What would a bluer legislature mean for higher ed in NC?: One scenario is a bottleneck where fewer appointments get made on time.
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317882197.html
“I’ve told you many times, on Sundays at church, I kept coming back to a passage from the book of Luke: to whom much is given, much is required ... Show more

religionnews.com
What I’ll be watching for on Election Night in North Carolina | Opinion
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317883883.html
JD Vance backs NC GOP candidates before toss-up races decide control of ...
JD Vance backs NC GOP candidates before toss-up races decide control of Congress: Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Hendersonville backing NC Republicans in ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article317683025.html
Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) maintained a strong lead in the state’s Senate race in a new poll. thehill.com
Trump Celebrates Columbus Day With Unhinged Murder Rant
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thedailybeast.com/trump-celebrates-columbus-day-with-unhinged-murderers-rant
Leading GOP Senate PAC pauses spending on NC candidate Michael Whatley
Leading GOP Senate PAC pauses spending on NC candidate Michael Whatley: Michael Whatley loses key backing after SLF and others scale back election ads in North ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317470972.html
Why North Carolina is shifting Democratic
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thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6139667-north-carolina-roy-cooper-democrats-midterm-elections/
Democratic super PAC pulls down ads in North Carolina as Roy Cooper ...
Democratic super PAC pulls down ads in North Carolina as Roy Cooper dominates Senate race polling 
thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6130438-democrats-pull-north-carolina-senate-ads/
Fact check: Did Roy Cooper ‘get himself’ a pay raise while serving as NC governor? READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
How Roy Cooper became Democrats’ best chance to flip a Senate seat
How Roy Cooper became Democrats’ best chance to flip a Senate seat: The former North Carolina governor is running in a state that for decades has more often ...
washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/04/how-roy-cooper-became-democrats-best-chance-flip-senate-seat/
Trump came to NC to help Michael Whatley. I think he made things worse ...
OpinionTrump came to NC to help Michael Whatley. I think he made things worse. | Opinion
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317278485.html
Whatley praises NC laws Cooper vetoed on school lessons and transgender ...
Whatley praises NC laws Cooper vetoed on school lessons and transgender athletes: At a Pittsboro event, Michael Whatley accused Roy Cooper of backing transgender ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article317371754.html
Fact-check: Cooper wasn’t in NY during Hurricane Helene
Fact-check: Cooper wasn’t in NY during Hurricane Helene: Critics of former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper falsely claim that he was in New York when Hurricane ...
politifact.com/factchecks/2026/oct/05/donald-trump/fact-check-where-was-cooper-when-hurricane-helene-hit-nc/
Republicans are already starting to give up on Michael Whatley in NC | ...
OpinionRepublicans are already starting to give up on Michael Whatley in NC | Opinion: A steady trickle of media reports suggest that Republicans have lost hope of ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317366786.html
Despite a strong lead, Roy Cooper is urging caution in NC’s Senate race | ...
OpinionDespite a strong lead, Roy Cooper is urging caution in NC’s Senate race | Opinion
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317294220.html
MAGA Senate Candidate Raises White Flag in Must-Win Seat
MAGA Senate Candidate Raises White Flag in Must-Win Seat: Republicans are entering crisis mode as states won by the president are now comfortably breaking for ...
thedailybeast.com/maga-senate-candidate-raises-white-flag-in-must-win-seat
Vance urges NC Republican voters to turn out in ‘make or break’ midterm ...
Vance urges NC Republican voters to turn out in ‘make or break’ midterm races: With NC Senate polls showing a Roy Cooper lead, Vice President JD Vance pitched ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article317325694.html
Fact check: Trump falsely claims Cooper prompted FEMA workers to skip homes READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
PHOTOS: Trump in Gastonia
PHOTOS: Trump in Gastonia: An inside look at President Donald Trump campaigning for Michael Whatley in Gastonia
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317241801.html
Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback ...
Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317396156.html
David Plouffe warns Dems: Don’t take North Carolina for granted
David Plouffe warns Dems: Don’t take North Carolina for granted: The veteran Democratic strategist, who managed Barack Obama’s narrow 2008 victory in the state ...
politico.com/news/2026/10/10/david-plouffe-dems-north-carolina-01115652
Cooper Flips Trump Margin with Independents 29 Points as Whatley Struggles
Cooper Flips Trump Margin with Independents 29 Points as Whatley Struggles: Roy Cooper held a double-digit lead over Michael Whatley in the latest poll of the ...
newsweek.com/cooper-flips-trump-margin-with-independents-by-29-points-as-whatley-flops-12498753
In NC, digital ads are in and debates are out: Welcome to the new campaign
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article317510949.html
Last season, Kia NBA ROY Cooper Flagg became the 2nd rookie since 1984-85 to lead his team in PTS, REB, AST & STL 🔥 The other? Michael Jordan ... Show more
In NC’s Senate race, Republican lies about Cooper hit an appalling new low | Opinion READ MORE: In NC’s Senate race, Republican lies about Cooper hit an appalling new low | Opinion
PHOTOS: President Donald Trump’s rally in Gastonia on Sept. 16, 2026
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317241801.html
President Donald Trump called North Carolina “one of the most violent and one of the worst in the whole nation” during a rally in Gastonia ... Show more
Whatley supporters tie SC homicide to Cooper in misleading NC Senate ad
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317086926.html
What an immoral defense of ads attacking Roy Cooper | Opinion
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317128032.html
Fauci advised Roy Cooper to delay NC school opening in 2020 ...
Fauci advised Roy Cooper to delay NC school opening in 2020. Will it matter now?: A June 2020 Fauci diary notes he urged Gov. Roy Cooper to delay school ...
charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317044882.html
In NC’s Senate race, Republican lies about Cooper hit an appalling new low ...
OpinionIn NC’s Senate race, Republican lies about Cooper hit an appalling new low | Opinion
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317074299.html
NC’s Michael Whatley returns to the RNC stage, this time as a candidate
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317180282.html
At GOP midterm convention, Michael Whatley doesn’t meet the moment | ...
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317187402.html
What an immoral defense of ads attacking Roy Cooper | Opinion
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317128032.html
Senate PAC wrongly blames NC’s Roy Cooper for Charlotte homicide
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article317179408.html
Whatley’s name recognition is finally improving. The polls are not | ...
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316882152.html
North Carolina loves Roy Cooper. All GOP has is misinformation. | Opinion
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usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2026/09/03/roy-cooper-senate-north-carolina-republicans/91546715007/
When insurers can claw back paid claims + misleading ad ties SC killing to Cooper READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com READ MORE: charlotteobserver.com
Bakery confrontation, Kroger cuts: What Charlotte talked about Aug. 24-30
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article317078788.html
Cooper Flagg's 2025-26 Rookie Year: 21.0 PPG (1st among rookies) 6.7 RPG (3rd among rookies) 4.5 APG (2nd among rookies) 1.2 SPG (2nd among rookies) 0 ... Show more
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OpinionThe question Republicans really need to start asking Roy Cooper | Opinion: So far, Roy Cooper has run a highly scripted U.S. Senate campaign built around a few ...
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316787754.html
Dems Are Looking Good in North Carolina—or Are They?
Dems Are Looking Good in North Carolina—or Are They?: In today’s newsletter, read about why Roy Cooper’s polling advantage might not last ...
newrepublic.com/post/214526/roy-cooper-whatley-north-carolina-polls
Cooper cruises to lead over Whatley in Senate campaign, a new poll finds
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charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article316855851.html
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newrepublic.com/article/214161/transcript-democrats-primaries-week-critical
Cooper maintains 7-point lead over Whatley in NC Senate race: Poll
Cooper maintains 7-point lead over Whatley in NC Senate race: Poll: Democrat Roy Cooper has a healthy lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the North Carolina ...
thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6021249-cooper-leads-nc-senate-poll/
Trouble is brewing for Republicans in this red NC congressional district | ...
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charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article316550050.html
ChatGPT’s Daring Escape Forces Dems to Pick a Path on AI Legislation
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newrepublic.com/post/213500/chatgpt-lab-breach-democrats-ai-legislation
Republicans Get Senate Warning Sign From Four Fox News Polls
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newsweek.com/republicans-senate-warning-sign-fox-news-polls-12265285
Trump Senate Pick Skewered for Hiring Child Sex Offender
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thedailybeast.com/trump-north-carolina-senate-pick-michael-whatley-skewered-for-hiring-child-sex-offender-harvey-l-west-jr/
Cooper holds 9-point lead in North Carolina Senate race: Fox News poll
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thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5999436-fox-news-poll-north-carolina-senate/
ChatGPT’s Daring Escape Forces Dems to Pick a Path on AI Legislation
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newrepublic.com/post/213500/chatgpt-lab-breach-democrats-ai-legislation