Roy Cooper

Roy Cooper is a former two-term Democratic Governor of North Carolina. He is currently a Democratic candidate for the open US Senate seat in North Carolina in the 2026 election cycle. Cooper is considered a well-known figure in North Carolina politics. He is newsworthy because he is participating in one of the first midterm primaries for key Senate and House races. Recent polling suggests he is leading in the Democratic primary against candidates who have never held elected office. The news articles highlight the significance of his candidacy, noting that he needs to defy North Carolina history to maintain a winning streak in the Senate race. His performance in the primary and general election will be a key indicator of the political landscape in North Carolina.