Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by seven points in North Carolina Senate poll
A recent Carolina Forward poll shows former governor Roy Cooper ahead of Republican Michael Whatley by seven points in the open North Carolina Senate race.
According to the latest Carolina Forward poll, former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper is ahead of Republican challenger Michael Whatley by seven points in the Senate contest. The poll recorded 50% support for Cooper, 43% for Whatley and 7% of respondents undecided, placing the lead comfortably beyond the 3.5% margin of error. The seat became vacant after Senator Thom Tillis announced he would not run for another term.
Whatley won the GOP primary with endorsement from Donald Trump, while Cooper entered the race as the Democratic frontrunner. Although analysts had labeled the contest a toss-up, the new numbers indicate a growing Democratic advantage. The last Democrat to win a Senate seat in North Carolina was Kay Hagan in 2008.
Why it matters
The poll suggests a Democratic lead in a Senate race that could shift North Carolina's partisan balance.
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