Cooper Leads Whatley by Double Digits in North Carolina Senate Poll Ahead of Midterms
A new Elon University poll shows former governor Roy Cooper ahead of Republican Michael Whatley by 11 points among likely voters in the North Carolina Senate race.
Elon University released a poll of 800 North Carolina voters that puts former governor Roy Cooper 11 points ahead of Republican Michael Whatley, recording 49% to 38% support among likely voters and a similar margin among registered voters. Cooper’s advantage is reinforced by higher name recognition—71% of registered voters say they know him well versus 47% for Whatley—and a cash advantage of about $20.7 million compared with $3.4 million for his opponent.
The contest is seen as one of the Democrats' best chances to flip a Senate seat, crucial for narrowing the GOP’s 53-47 lead in the chamber. Other recent polls from High Point University, the Carolina Journal and one outlet also show Cooper leading by single-digit to low-double-digit margins. Economic issues, especially inflation and cost of living, dominate voter concerns, while a majority oppose U.S. military action in Iran.
