- Roy Cooper filed Dec. 3 for Senate.
- Runs for North Carolina U.S. Senate seat.
- Seat currently held by Republican Thom Tillis.
Cooper, the state's former Democratic governor and Attorney General, officially began his campaign in July.
It's anticipated to be one of the nation's most nearly watched Senate battles.
Democratic rival Michael Whatley, who entered PresidentDonald Trump's countersign in July, has also filed, according to the North Carolina State Board of choices seeker list. He preliminarily served as the president of the Republican National Committee.
As of 2 p.m. on December 3, Cooper is the sole Democratic contender who has filed to run. Republicans Don Brown of Waxhaw and Elizabeth Temple of Smithfield have also filed for the Republican primary.
“I’ve lived and served in North Carolina my entire life and I’m proud to be on the ballot for the United States Senate,”
Cooper said in a Dec. 3 news release from his campaign.
“I’m ready to go to Washington to be an independent voice for North Carolina and focus on the issues that really matter to people –
supporting more good paying jobs, making health care more affordable and accessible, and lowering costs for people who are trying to make ends meet.”
Whatley posted on social media Dec. 2 that he was running to "fight for every family across North Carolina.
"I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and will work every day to create jobs, raise wages, lower costs and keep our communities safe,"
Whatley said on X.
The race between Cooper and Whatley, who preliminarily chaired the North Carolina Republican Party, could be" as close to a toss- up as exists in American politics," Chris Cooper, a professor of political wisdom and public affairs at Western Carolina University, told the Citizen Times in July.
What are Roy Cooper's top policy priorities for his Senate campaign?
Guarding and strengthening the middle class by opposing reckless public debt increases and billionaire duty breaks. Conserving and expanding Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare, emphasizing affordable health content.
Esteeming stagers and enhancing support for them. fastening on profitable development, casing affordability, and education to ameliorate quality of life in North Carolina.
Avoiding distracting culture- war issues and emphasizing practical results to affectation, healthcare access, and income security. Cooper highlights his record as North Carolina's attorney general and governor, including executing commercial wrongdoing and expanding Medicaid content to 670,000 residents under the Affordable Care Act.