NC voters decide US Senate seat in high-profile 2026 midterm race

Voters across North Carolina are heading to the polls to select the state's next United States senator, a decision that could influence both state and national political landscapes, WRAL reported. The seat is open following Republican Sen. Thom Tillis's decision not to seek reelection.

The two main candidates are Democrat Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina, and Republican Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee chairman endorsed by former President Donald Trump, according to ABC11 WTVD. The race is considered one of the most closely watched midterm contests in the country.

Whatley has aligned himself closely with Trump, emphasizing their connection during his campaign, while Cooper's team has urged voters to actually turn out to vote rather than rely on polls, WRAL noted. Whatley's campaign has focused on crime and public safety issues, criticizing Cooper's policies as governor, including a COVID-era inmate release settlement.

Democrats view this race as a critical opportunity to gain a Senate seat and potentially shift control of the chamber, needing to flip four seats nationwide, WRAL added. Republicans in other battleground states have distanced themselves from Trump, but Whatley continues to embrace the former president's support.

The election outcome will be closely watched for its implications on North Carolina's political direction and the broader balance of power in Congress, ABC11 WTVD reported.