Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper appears well-positioned to challenge Republican Senator Thom Tillis, according to recent polling.
Cooper, who served as governor from 2017 to 2024, holds a favorable rating of 48 percent, significantly higher than Tillis’ 26 percent.
Though Cooper hasn’t announced a run, Democratic leaders are urging him to enter the race, seeing him as a top contender. A March poll also showed Cooper leading Tillis 47 to 43 percent.
Despite North Carolina leaning Republican, Democrats have seen recent statewide success, including Josh Stein’s 2024 gubernatorial win. The 2026 Senate race is currently rated “Lean Republican” by analysts.
