Roy Cooper’s Senate Bid Sets Stage for Key 2026 NC Showdown

Byline: Olson Strategies Staff
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Dustin Olson, Managing Partner at Olson Strategies, joined Newsmax’s National Report to discuss early dynamics in North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race. With the seat opening as Senator Thom Tillis retires, the contest is already drawing national attention.

Roy Cooper Enters the Race, But Path Isn’t Guaranteed

Former two-term Democrat Governor Roy Cooper is seen as a top-tier recruit for Democrats hoping to flip a Republican seat. But Olson cautioned that voters’ preferences for a governor doesn’t always translate to their preferences for the Senate.

"This is definitely a win for Democrats as far as recruitment goes. He is the best option that they could possibly find in North Carolina."

Still, Olson noted that the transition from executive office to a legislative campaign often comes with challenges.

"When you run for a legislative seat, like in the Senate versus being the executive of a state, voters do treat that differently, and we've seen many times where a governor doesn't do well in the Senate race."

North Carolina’s Political Landscape Has Shifted

Since Cooper’s first statewide campaign, the political winds in North Carolina have changed. Olson pointed out that the state has become more favorable to Republicans in recent years.

"In the case of North Carolina, ever since he was elected statewide, the state has become more Republican over the years, so it’s not necessarily a clear path for him."

Michael Whatley: Strong GOP Contender with Trump Ties

While RNC Chairman Michael Whatley hasn’t yet run a statewide campaign, Olson described him as a formidable candidate for Republicans—especially when President Donald Trump tapped him to run the Republican National Committee, and by all accounts, he has done so successfully.

"He has run a national party. He did an extremely good job in ’24, and I do think that he is probably about the best candidate that Republicans could have."

A Critical Race for Senate Control

With Democrats needing to flip four seats without losing any others, North Carolina will play a role in determining Senate control. Olson framed the race as a must-watch.

"This will be an important seat. Ultimately, Democrats have to flip [four] seats and not lose anything, but this is a big win for them."

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