Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, giving Democrats a proven statewide winner in an open-seat race that is expected to be one of the most competitive 2026 contests.

WASHINGTON — Democrats are dropping their bids to run for the open Senate seat in North Carolina, clearing the way for former Gov. Roy Cooper in what the party views as its best chance to flip a seat in the upper chamber next November.

North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race is coming into focus as former Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to run and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, backed by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership,

Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans.

His entry will pave the way for a marquee contest in 2026, with former Gov. Roy Cooper planning to seek the Democratic nomination.