Democrats landed the biggest recruiting win of the 2026 midterm elections to date when former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper launched his Senate run Monday, boosting party hopes of winning the seat opened by retiring Republican Sen.

Roy Cooper enters North Carolina Senate race as Democrats' top recruit, boosting chances to flip a key Republican seat in 2026 against likely GOP candidate Michael Whatley.

By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Monday, offering his Democratic Party one of its best opportunities nationwide to win back a Republican-held seat in next year's midterm elections.