Roy Cooper maintains large lead over Michael Whatley in North Carolina Senate race

A Catawba College‑YouGov poll released on June 23 shows Democratic former governor Roy Cooper leading Republican former RNC chair Michael Whatley by 14 points in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, with 48% support to Whatley’s 34% and 15% undecided. Independent voters favor Cooper 50% to 23%, and the race aligns closely with opinions of President Donald Trump, whose approval in the state remains underwater.

Separately, NBC News reports that Whatley, born in Michigan in 1968, has emphasized his upbringing in the small town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, while downplaying his Michigan roots. Records indicate he spent much of his childhood in Michigan, attending high school there before moving to North Carolina for a few years. Critics suggest this narrative may affect perceptions of his authenticity, though analysts do not expect it to shift the overall race dynamics.

Both pieces highlight the competitive nature of the Senate contest in a swing state, with Cooper’s strong standing among independents and anti‑Trump voters contrasted with Whatley’s effort to present deep local ties.