Roy Cooper Expected to Launch 2026 Senate Bid Next Week

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the decision.

Cooper, a Democrat who recently finished his second term as governor, is seen as a strong contender in the 2026 race.

The seat was held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who announced last month he won’t seek re-election.

National Democrats have long viewed Cooper as a top recruit. Axios first reported his expected entry into the race.

Cooper was briefly considered for a spot as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate last year but withdrew before formal interviews.

“I think the world of Roy Cooper,” Governor Josh Stein commented on his thoughts about Cooper as a candidate. “I think he is an amazing person as well as public official. So there is one North Carolina voter who would be thrilled to be able to cast his vote for him.