Dem flips key Senate seat in battleground North Carolina as Cooper defeats Trump ally

By Fox News · Fox News

The Fox News Decision Desk projects former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina defeating former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley, a close ally of President Donald Trump. The high-profile and expensive ballot box showdown gives Democrats another seat in the Senate as Cooper prepares to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis. The race was projected as a victory for Cooper with 57.63 votes counted, with 66.40% going to the former Democratic governor and 31.96% going to Whatley. "North Carolina — I’m grateful for your trust," Cooper posted on X. "We have more in common than divides us. Here’s to building better days ahead!" Cooper's flipping of a GOP-controlled seat in the crucial southeastern battleground state boosts his party as Democrats aim to recapture the Senate majority in the midterm elections . DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee applauded Cooper's victory. "In the Senate, he’ll carry on the fight to expand health care access, make stuff cost less, and ensure the American Dream is achievable for every North Carolina," the DSCC posted on X. Cooper's triumph in the Senate race was his seventh straight statewide victory, after winning four elections for attorney general and two for governor. His continued solid lead over Whatley in public opinion polling spurred top GOP-aligned outside groups a month ago to pull the plug on spending in the North Carolina race. It was seen as a signal that Republicans no longer saw a path to victory in the southeastern battleground state. Trump, during a rally two weeks ago in North Carolina to try and rescue Whatley, appeared to acknowledge the dire situation, remarking to the crowd that Cooper is "going to become your senator... It’s crazy, you’re going to send him to Washington to represent you." SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Cooper, the first Democrat to win a Senate election…