Republican Michael Whatley gets fresh odds of beating Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper in race for North Carolina’s open US Senate seat

Republican Michael Whatley is within striking distance of former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in the race for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat, according to a new High Point University poll.

Heated battle in North Carolina

The closely watched contest is for the seat held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection. Cooper, who served as governor from 2017 through 2024, is seeking a return to elected office, while Whatley previously chaired both the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party.

The poll found Cooper leading Whatley 50 percent to 45 percent among likely voters. However, the 5-point advantage falls within the survey’s 5.2-percentage-point credibility interval. Three percent of respondents said they were unsure or would not vote, while another 3 percent said they would support another candidate or party.

Jeff Allen, Cooper’s campaign manager, acknowledged the race is expected to remain competitive.

“Roy Cooper has spent his career putting North Carolinians first, while Washington, D.C., insider Michael Whatley spent his delivering for billionaires and special interests at the expense of the middle class,” he told Newsweek. “A Democrat has not won statewide federal office in North Carolina in nearly two decades and we know this race will be very close, which is why we’re building a campaign to earn every vote and make sure North Carolinians know that Roy Cooper will fight for them in the Senate.”

Control of the Senate

The race could play a significant role in determining control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-45 advantage, excluding independent Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King, who caucus with Democrats.

The Democratic Party views North Carolina as a potential pickup opportunity as they seek control of the chamber.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Whatley, raising the stakes in a race that could also serve as a measure of voters’ views of his administration. The president’s party has traditionally lost congressional seats during midterm elections.

The Cook Political Report currently rates the North Carolina contest as “lean” Democrat.

High Point University surveyed 800 self-identified registered voters, including 660 likely voters, from August 3 through August 12.