Cooper’s campaign, branded “Make Stuff Cost Less,” centered on reducing the cost of food, energy, and housing. The campaign also highlighted his record on expanding Medicaid and increasing teacher pay during his two terms as governor. In contrast, Whatley and other Republicans attempted to link Cooper to violent crime, particularly in Charlotte, and emphasized conservative concerns regarding transgender athletes and immigration. Despite these efforts, Cooper maintained a lead in polling throughout the race.
The outcome reflects a broader political shift in North Carolina, where Cooper is a long-standing figure who served as state attorney general before his governorship. As a politically moderate Democrat, he has been described as the most popular political figure in the state. He raised approximately three times as much money as his opponent and never trailed in polls against a candidate more associated with national politics than local issues. The Senate Leadership Fund, which directs fundraising from Republican Senate leader John Thune, reportedly stopped supporting Whatley and redirected its resources to the contest in Kansas.
The Senate race occurred amidst national difficulties for Republicans in congressional primaries. Although the Republican-controlled state legislature redrew congressional maps in line with President Donald Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting, Republicans lost a congressional seat in western North Carolina. Outgoing Congressman Chuck Edwards withdrew from his re-election bid in August following a recommendation for censure by the House ethics committee. This recommendation stemmed from an investigation into inappropriate conduct toward two female congressional staffers.
His replacement, Jamie Ager, a fifth-generation farmer whose property was damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024, ran a campaign focused on federal relief failures. Ager capitalized on Edwards’ withdrawal and public resentment toward the Trump administration to secure the seat. Cooper’s Senate win, combined with the loss in the House, indicates a significant shift in the state’s political landscape as the midterms conclude.
