Cooper leads Whatley by 11 points in North Carolina Senate poll
An AARP poll found former Gov. Roy Cooper with 53 percent support and former RNC Chair Michael Whatley with 42 percent in North Carolina's Senate race. The survey was conducted Sept. 17-20 among 1,115 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. The race is unfolding as Republicans face a difficult national environment, including low Trump approval and economic concerns.
The AARP survey, released Monday, placed Cooper at 53 percent among likely voters who said they would definitely or probably support him or were leaning that way. Whatley drew 42 percent, while 1 percent chose another candidate and 5 percent remained undecided. The poll ran Sept. 17–20 with 1,115 likely voters and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 points.
Republicans are defending the seat in a tough midterm climate. Decision Desk HQ’s average showed Trump’s approval at 38.8 percent and disapproval at 59.6 percent. Trump rallied for Whatley in Gastonia in mid-September, citing Whatley’s role in his prior North Carolina victories and his RNC leadership alongside Lara Trump.
The poll may shape how voters, donors, and party strategists view the North Carolina Senate contest, potentially influencing ad spending, turnout efforts, and candidate messaging. If the lead persists, it could affect down-ballot races and national Senate control calculations. North Carolinians could see more campaign activity and attention to issues like living costs and Trump’s performance. But polls are snapshots and may shift before voting.