Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) is leading former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley by 11 points in the state's Senate race, according to a new poll conducted by Elon University.

The poll, conducted from July 23 to 31 with 466 likely voters and a margin of error of 5.6 percentage points, found that 53 percent of respondents support Cooper, while 42 percent back Whatley. Additionally, 3 percent said they would support other candidates, and 2 percent were unsure.

This race is seen as a key opportunity for Democrats to pick up a Senate seat in the Tar Heel State following the retirement of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). The political environment is challenging for Republicans and President Donald Trump, with public concerns about the economy and the war in Iran.

According to a polling average from Decision Desk HQ, Trump's approval rating stood at 40.3 percent, with a disapproval rating of 56.8 percent as of Thursday morning. Senate Republicans, who currently hold a narrow 53-45 majority with two independents, have expressed concerns about Trump's impact on their efforts to retain control of the chamber. They cite his multiple attacks on their governance and his reluctance to abandon a proposed "anti-weaponization" fund for MAGA allies as liabilities.

Sources

The Hill: Poll shows Democrat Cooper with 11-point lead over GOP Senate rival