Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley set to compete for a high stakes North Carolina U.S. Senate seat

President Donald Trump listens as Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee Chairman speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will face former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in the state's toss-up U.S. Senate race.

(Image credit: Nathan Howard)