With a wave of retirements complicating Senate Democrats’ prospects in the 2026 midterms, the party has its eye on Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ seat. Not only do Democrats suspect the two-term senator is vulnerable, they also believe they’ve got just the right guy to take it: former Gov. Roy Cooper.
Pressure on politicians like Cooper, who has repeatedly performed well in Trump country, is mounting in the Democratic Party. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Gary Peters and Tina Smith have announced they will not seek reelection in 2026, setting up high-stakes open races in crucial states. Meanwhile, Georgia incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff could be facing off with Gov. Brian Kemp.
A Cooper candidacy could help to offset those challenges in what is anticipated to be one of the most expensive Senate races of the cycle.