Democrat Roy Cooper maintains a 7-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the North Carolina Senate race, according to a recent poll conducted by left-leaning Change Research for Carolina Forward. The survey, which included 915 respondents, showed that 50% supported Cooper while 43% backed Whatley, with 7% either unsure or not planning to vote in the upcoming general election.

The poll revealed a strong partisan divide: 97% of Democrats favored Cooper, and 91% of Republicans supported Whatley. Among independents, Cooper held a 28-point advantage, with 48% choosing him compared to 20% for Whatley, while 32% were undecided or not voting.

Cooper, a former two-term governor and North Carolina attorney general, has won every general election he has contested in the state since 2000. As of the end of June, his campaign reported having approximately $17.2 million more in funds than Whatley’s, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Following a Supreme Court ruling in June that removed federal limits on political party spending coordinated with candidates, the GOP-aligned Senate Leadership Fund announced a $17 million summer advertising campaign to support Whatley and criticize Cooper. This campaign is the initial phase of a planned $71 million investment in North Carolina.

With less than three months until the general election, the race remains competitive but currently favors Cooper according to the latest polling data.

Sources