NORTH CAROLINA · 2026U.S. SENATE2026 ELECTION GUIDE
NORTH CAROLINA U.S. SENATOR
Review each position against the same issue statement.
MICHAEL WHATLEYR
ROY COOPERD
COST OF LIVING: Cut Government Spending & Regulations to Lower Taxes & Prices
More government spending & regulations means higher taxes & higher prices. Cutting spending & regulations is the path to affordability.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (3)
"Whatley said major reforms are needed and praised efforts like the Department of Governmental Efficiency to help reduce waste in the federal government and reduce fraud.
'We need to use that reconciliation process to make true reforms that are going to make sure that we get our financial house in order,' Whatley said.
'When you look at what Elon Musk brought to this administration out of the gate with DOGE, it was absolutely critical for not just what they found, but the process by which they found it and truly going at the fraud that was pervasive throughout the government,' Whatley added.
'We need to do more. We need to get that process back up and running and very aggressively,' Whatley continued.
Given the rampant fraud uncovered in Minnesota, Whatley said DOGE may be needed at the state level.
'What are the federal funds that are going out to these states being spent for?' Whatley said.
'Make sure they’re not going out in suitcases through the Minneapolis Airport,' Whatley added."
"America's economic strength depends on reliable, affordable energy and reining in Washington's reckless spending."
"They have opposed across the line every single spending cut that's been proposed. They voted against the Big Beautiful Bill, which had $1.6 trillion dollars in spending cuts. Every single Democrat in the House. Every single Democrat in the Senate."
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (2)
"In its release, Manning’s office touted how the bill extends the Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years and locks in lower premiums. The release said it would 'save an average middle-class family of four in North Carolina $9,137 on their yearly premiums.'
"Gov. Roy Cooper (D) proposed sending families checks for up to $500 Wednesday as part of his plan to spend more than $5 billion in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan.
Cooper dubbed the plan 'Extra Credit Grants 2.0,' saying he wanted to continue the program Republicans in the General Assembly approved last year when they authorized $335 checks for families with children.
'This is a good idea put forth by the legislature. It has helped a lot of families. We included this in our proposal because of the input we got from a number of legislators that they would like to continue it,'" Cooper said.
HEALTHCARE: Support Medicaid Work Requirement to Limit Abuse, Reduce Healthcare Costs
Require able-bodied recipients to meet certain work, school or job-training requirments to limit waste/abuse & reduce healthcare costs for taxpayers.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (2)
"We have millions of people around the country, illegal aliens that were on Medicaid. The fact that we actually had to pass legislation as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill to take and say that illegal aliens cannot be on Medicaid… When we look at food stamps, we look at the WIC program, we look at schools and all of the other costs that are out there… the societal costs for services for illegal aliens is absolutely stupefying and it is remarkable that Democrats in North Carolina and around the country, including Roy Cooper wanted to fight harder for illegal aliens than they do their own constituents."
Timestamp 3:27
"The OBBB is now law! Every single Democrat opposed cutting taxes, securing the border, and eliminating waste, while Republicans united to put America First...." [The OBBB imposed certain work, job-training, or schooling requirements for able-bodied recipients. While illegal immigrants were already ineligible for full Medicaid benefits, the OBBB further restricted eligibility for some categories of lawfully present noncitiizens.]
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (2)
“As Governor, three years ago today, I proudly signed Medicaid Expansion into law for North Carolinians,” said Roy Cooper. [This expanded Medicaid to younger adults without children or disability and did not impose work requirements.]
"Former Gov. Roy Cooper said Friday that congressional Republicans’ tax and spending bill had put Medicaid expansion in North Carolina 'in danger.'"
"Cooper, a Democrat who is now running for U.S. Senate, oversaw the passage of Medicaid expansion while serving as governor. He frequently touts it as one of the highlights of his eight-year administration." [The legislation expanded Medicaid to younger adults without children or disability and did not impose work requirements.]
IMMIGRATION: Support Sanctuary Policies; Refuse to Cooperate with ICE
Help illegal immigrants avoid deportation by refusing to honor ICE detainers.
MICHAEL WHATLEYDISAGREEView sources (3)
"We welcome the arrival of ICE agents to Charlotte, which is a direct response to Roy Cooper’s failed leadership. President Trump has provided strong, decisive action to keep North Carolina communities safe after Cooper vetoed legislation which would have required North Carolina sheriffs to honor ICE detainers—inviting dangerous criminals to remain on our streets and communities rather than face federal deportation."
"This is the same soft-on-crime Roy Cooper who forced cashless bail and pretrial release into North Carolina’s criminal justice system, and released 3,500 prison inmates. Time and time again, Cooper has sided with illegal aliens and criminals over law-abiding North Carolinians."
"My opponent, Roy Cooper, when he was the governor of North Carolina, vetoed legislation which would have forced sheriffs to honor ICE detainers and move violent criminal illegal aliens out of the state... These are people who have been arrested, who have criminal records, people who are wanted for criminal records and need to be deported. It is absolutely a dereliction of duty.. to not honor these ICE detainers, and it was a dereliction of duty for Roy Cooper to veto the legislation that would have forced them to be able to do that." Timestamp :30
ROY COOPERAGREEView sources (3)
"This legislation is simply about scoring partisan political points and using fear to divide
North Carolina. As the former top law enforcement officer of our state, I know that current law
allows the state to jail and prosecute dangerous criminals regardless of immigration status. This
bill, in addition to being unconstitutional, weakens law enforcement in North Carolina by
mandating sheriffs to do the job of federal agents, using local resources that could hurt their
ability to protect their counties. Finally, to elevate their partisan political pandering, the
legislature has made a sheriff's violation of this new immigration duty as the only specifically
named duty violation that can result in a sheriff's removal from office."
Vetoed "ACT TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION DETAINERS AND
ADMINISTRATIVE WARRANTS"
AN ACT TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION DETAINERS AND
ADMINISTRATIVE WARRANTS; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REPORTS FROM LOCAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT; AND TO MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES IN THE BUDGET
OPERATIONS OF THE STATE.
PARENTS' RIGHTS: Remove Sex/Gender Ideology from Classrooms
It is not government's role to teach or promote views on sexual or gender ideology. Parents have a right to know all matters concerning their children.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (2)
Michael Whatley was Chair of the Republican National Committee when it adopted its July 2024 platform, to include:
"5. Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity — We will keep men out of women's sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden's radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls." (Chapter Nine, Plank 5)
Michael Whatley Chaired the Republican National Committee when it adopted the July 2025 platform to include: "5. Restore Parental Rights. Republicans will restore Parental Rights in Education ....We trust Parents!"
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (2)
Vetoed Parents' Bill of Rights
Governor Cooper vetoed SB49
The bill would have:
- Required schools to notify parents if a student asks to use a different name or pronoun
- Restricted teaching on gender identity/sexuality in early grades
Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the Parents' Bill of Rights (SB49): AN ACT TO ENUMERATE THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS TO DIRECT THE UPBRINGING, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THEIR MINOR CHILDREN.
LAW & ORDER: Support Bail Requirements; Oppose Pretrial & Early Release
Require cash bond as a condition of pretrial release. Oppose policies allowing early release of large groups of prisoners.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (5)
"This is the same soft-on-crime Roy Cooper who forced cashless bail and pretrial release into North Carolina’s criminal justice system, and released 3,500 prison inmates. Time and time again, Cooper has sided with illegal aliens and criminals over law-abiding North Carolinians."
"Roy Cooper created an environment where criminals are protected and public safety is an afterthought. North Carolinians deserve better than a career politician, who has spent his career putting illegal aliens and criminals first—leaving North Carolina families, neighborhoods, and law enforcement officers to deal with the consequences."
"My opponent, Roy Cooper, when he was the governor of North Carolina, vetoed legislation which would have forced sheriffs to honor ICE detainers and move violent criminal illegal aliens out of the state... These are people who have been arrested, who have criminal records, people who are wanted for criminal records and need to be deported. It is absolutely a dereliction of duty.. to not honor these ICE detainers, and it was a dereliction of duty for Roy Cooper to veto the legislation that would have forced them to be able to do that." Timestamp :30
"I think that the most important thing that we are going to need to talk about is, keeping our kids in our community safe, and Roy Cooper, when he was the governor, in 2020 when we had antifa and BLM rioting all across North Carolina, was out there marching with them in protest and also signed an executive order that basically created cashless bail and pretrial release in North Carolina, created a revolving door for all of our criminals and led to violent crime spikes in all major North Carolina cities."
"Roy Cooper was a complete failure at keeping our communities safe.
19 North Carolinians would be alive today if Roy Cooper had not released their killers from prison.
Victims’ families deserve answers. Why did Roy Cooper allow these dangerous criminals back on our streets?"
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (2)
Governor Cooper vetoed HB 370 (AN ACT TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION DETAINERS AND
ADMINISTRATIVE WARRANTS)
Governor Roy Cooper agreed to a settlement during the pandemic to implement the following: "DPS in coordination with the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission will transition 3,500 offenders out of our facilities by utilizing a combination of 1) awarding discretionary sentence credits in order to move individuals to their mandatory minimum sentence sooner; 2) transferring select individuals to serve their remaining sentence time under the supervision of community corrections officers through Extended Limits of Confinement (ELC); and 3) reinstating or restoring individuals to post-release supervision or granting early release to those participating in the Mutual Agreement Parole Program."
MEN IN WOMEN'S SPACES & SPORTS
Allow biological males who identify as females to use female restrooms & locker rooms & to play in women's sports.
MICHAEL WHATLEYDISAGREEView sources (1)
"We can talk about the legislation he votoed that would have kept boys out of girls sports and men out of women's locker rooms." Timestamp 9:02
ROY COOPERAGREEView sources (2)
Governor Cooper vetoed HB 574 "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" - "The athletics bill would designate sports by sex assigned at birth. Biological males would be unable to participate in girls' middle school, high school and college sports.
Restrictions would apply to state universities and community colleges, as well as public and some private middle and high schools. They would not apply to intramural college sports, nor would they prevent biological females (trans boys) from playing on boys' teams.
Students would also have a right to sue if they are harmed by a trans student violating the restrictions." https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/north-carolina-bill-restricting-transgender-youth-sports-heads-to-gov-coopers-desk
Governor Cooper made the following statement on his veto of HB 574:
"We don’t need politicians inflaming their political culture wars by making broad, uninformed decisions about an extremely small number of vulnerable children that are already handled by a robust system that relies on parents, schools and sports organizations. Republican governors in other states have vetoed similar bills because they hurt their states’ reputation and economy and because they are neither fair nor needed."
ENERGY: Expand Oil and Natural Gas Production to Lower Costs
Support expanding domestic oil & natural gas development to increase supply and lower costs.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (4)
House Witness disclosure - "Michael Whatley serves as Executive Vice President of the Consumer Energy Alliance, which was formed to help support the thoughtful utilization of all domestic energy resources to improve domestic energy security and reduce consumer prices. The mission of the Consumer Energy Alliance is to improve consumer understanding of our nation's energy security, including the need to reduce reliance on imported oil and natural gas, maintain reasonable energy prices for consumers, and continue efforts to diversify our energy resources. CEA has more than 275 consumer and energy groups and more than 400,000 individual members as part of its Alliance. Through its various activities, CEA works to expand dialogue and develop joint messaging among the energy and consuming sectors and advocate for energy policies which will ensure affordable, reliable energy for American energy consumers."
"President Biden inherited Energy Independence and low gasoline prices. He killed the Keystone XL pipeline, shut down leasing and strangled permitting for energy development. He is completely responsible for record high energy prices."
"Natural gas prices are at a 7-year high and companies are forced to cancel projects to bring American energy to market because they cannot get permits - hurting American families, farms and manufacturers. Disappointing."
"America's economic strength depends on reliable, affordable energy and reining in Washington's reckless spending."
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (3)
"WHEREAS, the State ofNorth Carolina supports the 2015 Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and
WHEREAS, the United States' Nationally Determined Contribution ("NOC") under the Paris Agreement is to reduce GHG emissions economywide by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and member states of the U.S. Climate Alliance, including North Carolina, have committed to achieving net-zero GHG emissions no later than 2050 and 50 to 52 percent emission reductions by 2030 in support ofthe U.S. NOC; and
WHEREAS, all North Carolinians, irrespective of economic status, cultural heritage, race, religion, or zip code, have the right to enjoy a sustainable environment with clean air, clean water, and clean soil and that is free from environmental injustice..."
"Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order Detailing Next Steps on Path to a Clean Energy and Equitable Economy for All North Carolinians
Order establishes new emissions reduction goals and directs the state to identify pathways to achieve carbon neutrality, prioritize environmental justice, and develop clean energy transportation options
Governor Roy Cooper today issued Executive Order No. 246 affirming North Carolina’s commitment to a clean energy economy and directing next steps in the state’s plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and create economic opportunities for North Carolinians across the state, especially in underserved communities."
"These actions are making North Carolina less dependent on fossil fuels, bringing new high paying jobs to the state and helping remedy disproportionate environmental, economic, and health impacts on people of color, low-income communities, and indigenous communities."
GENDER TRANSITIONS FOR CHILDREN: Support Sex-Changes for Minors
Support sex-change operations and puberty blockers for children.
MICHAEL WHATLEYDISAGREEView sources (1)
Michael Whatley was Chair of the Republican National Committee when this platform was adopted (July 2024) and is listed on its Platform Committee.
"5. Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity — We will keep men out of women's sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden's radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls." (Chapter Nine, Plank 5)
ROY COOPERAGREEView sources (2)
Governor Cooper vetoed HB 808, which would have banned gender-affirming care for minors.
Governor Cooper made the following statement on his veto of HB 808:
"A doctor’s office is no place for politicians, and North Carolina should continue to let parents and medical professionals make decisions about the best way to offer gender care for their children. Ordering doctors to stop following approved medical protocols sets a troubling precedent and is dangerous for vulnerable youth and their mental health. The government should not make itself both the parent and the doctor."
GOVERNOR COOPER VETOED HB 808: AN ACT TO PROHIBIT GENDER TRANSITION PROCEDURES FOR MINORS.
ELECTION SECURITY: Require Citizenship & Voter ID
Require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (5)
"My opponent, Roy Cooper, has spent years undermining election integrity. As governor, he vetoed voter ID requirements, blocked efforts to remove illegal aliens from our voter rolls, and is staunchly opposed to the SAVE Act because he wants the votes of illegals.
As North Carolina’s next senator, I will always fight to protect your vote. As
@NCGOP
Chairman, I led the charge to require voter ID in North Carolina.
As
@GOP
Chairman, I built the first national election integrity program and filed 170+ lawsuits to keep non-citizens from voting, force states to clean up their voter rolls, and PROTECT THE BALLOT.
It is time for the Senate to end the Democrats’ abuse of the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act!"
"The RNC is fighting for voter ID & absentee ballot safeguards in North Carolina as part of our effort to secure election integrity in battleground states.
'RNC, NCGOP request declaratory ruling from NCSBE on unlawful absentee ballot, voter ID guidance'"
"TWO battleground state wins for election integrity in one afternoon.
Following a
@GOP
lawsuit, a North Carolina court just ruled that digital student ID cannot be used as Voter ID.
This is just common sense. We refuse to give an inch when it comes to protecting Voter ID!"
"84% of Americans support Voter ID as a common-sense election safeguard.
That’s why the RNC has filed dozens of lawsuits to enshrine it as the law of the land.
This is a weak attempt to undermine North Carolina law and election integrity."
"MASSIVE win for election integrity!
Wisconsin just voted overwhelmingly to add voter ID to their state constitution."
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (4)
Governor Roy Cooper vetoed SB 824 ("IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT REQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE")
Governor Cooper vetoed SB 250 that would have required removal of noncitiziens from voter registration who are disqualified from jury duty for reason of not being legal citiens. (SB 250: "If a person is disqualified from jury duty because the person is not a citizen of the United States, the clerk of superior court shall report this information electronically to the State Board of Elections quarterly. The electronic file shall include the person's name, address, date of birth, and other personal information from the master jury list, along with the reasons for the person's disqualification and the date of disqualification. The State Board of Elections shall use this information to conduct efforts to remove names from its list of registered voters in accordance with G.S. 163-82.14."
"'Requiring photo IDs for in-person voting is a solution in search of a problem,' Cooper said in a statement.
'Instead, the real election problem is votes harvested illegally through absentee ballots, which this proposal fails to fix,' he said, referencing an investigation of alleged absentee ballot fraud in the state's 9th Congressional District in November's election."
After NC passed a voter ID law, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a recorded video message, "This is the first election where photo ID is required to vote. But if you forget it or you don't have one, you can still vote as long as you are registered. All you have to do is ask for the ID exception form and fill it out. If you're turned away call 1 (833) Vote4NC.."
GUN BANS & CONFISCATION
Government may ban certain guns & may take guns from law-abiding citizens without proving criminality.
MICHAEL WHATLEYDISAGREEView sources (2)
Posted the following to his candidate X account: "'Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am your president, I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.' - President Donald Trump"
Whatley expressed his belief that Virginians' decision to elect a Democrat governor and legislature directly led to extreme anti-gun measures: "I would remind every NC Republican and gun owner that the enactment of extreme anti-gun measures in VA is the consequence of ...[putting Democrat] Governor Northam and Democratic legislative majorities in power."
Whatley is referring to a slate of strict gun measures signed into law in 2020 (after Democrats were voted into office), including red flag laws, universal background checks and a one-handgun-per-month purchase limit.
ROY COOPERAGREEView sources (3)
"...common sense gun safety measures like background checks, red flag laws... [Republicans] are actively trying to get rid of the strict restrictions that are on the books and essentially working so that people can carry guns anywhere they want, anytime they want, loaded..." Timestamp 1:38
"What we have to do is increase efforts to make background checks stronger, we have to make sure that we have red flag laws in place..." Timestamp 3:15
"Gov. Cooper vetoes bill that would strip sheriffs of pistol permit authority"
"NC Governor Again Vetoes Gun-Rights Bill For More Churches - North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed gun-rights legislation on Friday that would allow parishioners at more churches to be armed, marking the second year in a row that he's blocked the idea."
[The legislation would have allowed people going to religious services at a location where private schools or some charter schools also meet to carry handguns in full view or under clothing if they have a concealed weapons permit.]
Commenting on his veto, Gov. Cooper said, "For the safety of students and teachers, North Carolina should keep guns off school grounds."
BABIES BORN ALIVE: Require Medical Care for Babies who Survive Abortion
Babies born alive after surviving a failed abortion attempt have the right to life-saving medical care.
MICHAEL WHATLEYAGREEView sources (1)
"We congratulate the Republican super-majority for voting to override Governor Cooper's veto and we welcome the enactment of this reasonable legislation to protect life after the first trimester in North Carolina.
'The voters of North Carolina have rejected the radical abortion-on-demand position of Roy Cooper, Josh Stein, and the Democrat Party,' said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. 'I commend our Republican-led General Assembly for overriding Gov. Cooper's veto of this balanced and widely-supported legislation and moving forward to protect life in North Carolina.'"
ROY COOPERDISAGREEView sources (3)
North Carolina governor vetoes ‘born alive’ abortion bill
"Laws already protect newborn babies and this bill is an unnecessary interference
between doctors and their patients. This needless legislation would criminalize doctors
and other healthcare providers for a practice that simply does not exist."
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT.
ABORTION: Late-Term Abortion
Women have a right to abort their babies through the ninth month.
MICHAEL WHATLEYDISAGREEView sources (3)
"We congratulate the Republican super-majority for voting to override Governor Cooper's veto and we welcome the enactment of this reasonable legislation to protect life after the first trimester in North Carolina.
'The voters of North Carolina have rejected the radical abortion-on-demand position of Roy Cooper, Josh Stein, and the Democrat Party,' said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. 'I commend our Republican-led General Assembly for overriding Gov. Cooper's veto of this balanced and widely-supported legislation and moving forward to protect life in North Carolina.'"
"The choice between any of the Democratic Presidential Candidates and
@realDonaldTrump
is a choice between protecting abortion/infanticide “rights” and protecting the Sanctity of Life. #LeadRight #KAG2020 #NCGOP #ncpol"
"Defying an overwhelming bipartisan majority who oppose taxpayer money being used to fund abortions abroad, President Biden continues his assault on unity through Executive Orders. #NCGOP"
ROY COOPERAGREEView sources (1)
“The Supreme Court held 53 years ago today in Roe v. Wade that women had a constitutional right to reproductive health care and as Governor, I fought to protect that right,” said Roy Cooper. “Meanwhile, Michael Whatley was ‘proud’ when that constitutional right was taken away. As Chairman of the NCGOP, Whatley backed platforms that banned abortion without exceptions. Michele Morrow is ‘unapologetically’ anti-choice and Don Brown supports banning abortion. As Senator, I’ll fight to keep politicians out of the exam room so these decisions can be made between a woman and her doctor.”