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.

By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Monday, offering his Democratic Party one of its best opportunities nationwide to win back a Republican-held seat in next year's midterm elections.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement in support of former Gov. Roy Cooper’s candidacy for the U.S.