Democrats landed the biggest recruiting win of the 2026 midterm elections to date when former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper launched his Senate run Monday, boosting party hopes of winning the seat opened by retiring Republican Sen.

Roy Cooper, the former Democratic governor of North Carolina, officially launched his Senate bid for Republican Sen. Thom Tillis' open seat in 2026 on Monday.

Roy Cooper enters North Carolina Senate race as Democrats' top recruit, boosting chances to flip a key Republican seat in 2026 against likely GOP candidate Michael Whatley.