Former two-term Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has announced his candidacy for the Senate in North Carolina, aiming to succeed Republican Sen. Thom Tillis in the 2026 midterm elections. Cooper's campaign launch is seen as a significant move for the Democratic Party, boosting their chances of flipping a key GOP-held seat. His announcement comes after teasing his run at a recent event and criticizing politicians in DC for various issues. Cooper is expected to face off against Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in what is anticipated to be a competitive and expensive Senate battle.