From Newsweek · · 1m 10s
GOP Faces North Carolina Senate Poll Defeat
Republican pollster shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading by 15 points in critical Senate race.
In brief
Republican pollster shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading by 15 points in critical Senate race. Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 15 points in North Carolina Senate race, a key swing state for Democrats to flip Senate control. Originally reported by Newsweek.
North Carolina Senate Race
Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 15 points in latest poll.
“Former Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, held a 15-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the latest poll of the North Carolina Senate race from a GOP-affiliated pollster”
Harper Polling Survey
Harper Polling, a Republican-affiliated firm, conducted the survey with 608 likely voters.
“It surveyed 608 likely voters from September 13 to 15, 2026, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.97 percentage points.”
Cooper's Lead
Cooper has 49% support, Whatley 34% in Harper Polling survey.
“Cooper’s support stood at 49 percent, while 34 percent of respondents said they planned to cast their ballots for Whatley”
Voter Sentiment
Cooper is viewed favorably by 47%, Whatley by 26%.
“Favorable views of Cooper stood at 47 percent, while 43 percent viewed him negatively. Meanwhile, 26 percent of voters viewed Whatley favorably, while 42 percent viewed the Republican unfavorably.”
Trump Campaign
Trump campaigned with Whatley in North Carolina this week.
“The president urged his supporters to 'go out and pretend I'm on the ticket.'”
Cooper Campaign Response
Cooper campaign says race will be competitive and close.
“A Democrat has not won statewide federal office in North Carolina in nearly two decades and we know this race will be very close”
Other Polls
Eastern Carolina University poll shows Cooper leading by 8 points.
“The Democratic candidate led an Eastern Carolina University poll by 8 points, 52 percent to 44 percent.”
Prediction Markets
Cooper has 92% chance of winning on prediction markets.
“He had a 92 percent chance of winning on both Kalshi and Polymarket on Thursday.”
Swing State
North Carolina is a key swing state for Senate control.
“North Carolina is one of the most closely divided swing states in the country, having voted for both Democrats and Republicans in recent elections.”
National Implications
Democrats need North Carolina to flip Senate control.
“Democrats must flip four seats in November to win control of the chamber, as Vice President JD Vance would serve as the tiebreaker.”
What Happens Next
Both candidates will campaign for voters ahead of November election.
“North Carolina will be closely watched over the coming weeks as the battle for Senate control heats up.”
What to remember
Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 15 points in North Carolina Senate race, a key swing state for Democrats to flip Senate control.
