In a recent development, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has hinted at his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat in his state in the upcoming year.
This suggestion was made at the annual "Unity Dinner" of the North Carolina Democratic Party, as reported by The Hill. Cooper, addressing the crowd, said, "Everybody who's planning to run for office next year, please stand up," and then added, "I'm not sitting down, am I?" This statement was met with an enthusiastic response from the audience, who began chanting "Run, Roy, run," according to WHQR.
As reported by Semafor, this development comes at a time when former Democrat Rep. Wiley Nickel, who had initially entered the Senate race, has begun exploring a bid for district attorney in Wake County. This shift in focus has been prompted by the redrawing of his House district.
Meanwhile, on the Republican front, Michael Whatley, the Chair of the Republican National Committee, has announced his candidacy for the Senate seat. His campaign has been bolstered by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, according to The Hill.
Cooper, who has served two terms as the state's governor and four terms as its attorney general, is expected to seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by two-term Sen. Thom Tillis. Tillis, a Republican, has announced his decision not to seek reelection following his vote against President Trump's One, Big Beautiful Bill.
During the Unity Dinner fundraiser, Cooper did not mince words in his criticism of the Republicans. He accused them of increasing the national debt, disrespecting veterans, reducing aid for the hungry, and taking away healthcare from millions, all to provide tax breaks to the wealthy. "They are running up our debt, they are disrespecting our veterans, they are cutting help for the hungry, and they're ripping away healthcare from millions of people, all to give tax breaks to the millionaires and billionaires. And it's not right," Cooper said, as quoted by WHQR.
Despite the current control of the White House, both chambers of Congress, and the U.S. Supreme Court by the GOP, Cooper urged Democrats to remain active and engaged. He expressed his concern about the fragility of the current political climate, saying, "Right now, we're living in a time in this country, I think, that is as fragile as I can remember."
He further emphasized the importance of active participation in the democratic process, stating, "But this beautiful experiment we call democracy, it only works when we work for it. Which means that everybody needs to stay engaged and find a way to do something."
This potential shift in the political landscape of North Carolina could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. With the GOP currently holding sway in the federal government, a successful bid by Cooper could provide a much-needed boost to the Democrats.
However, the road to the Senate seat is not without its challenges, with formidable opponents such as Whatley in the race. As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the citizens of North Carolina will cast their votes in the upcoming election.
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