**Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Roy Cooper-Michael Whatley Poll**

Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Roy Cooper-Michael Whatley Poll

• The Shocker: A new poll shows North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper leading RNC Chairman Michael Whatley in a hypothetical 2026 Senate race by 7 points (49% to 42%). This is being called a “blue tsunami warning” for the GOP, as Whatley is a seasoned political operative and former state party chair.
• The “Incumbent” Curse Is Real: The poll, conducted by a nonpartisan firm, reveals that 62% of swing voters say they are “tired of Trump-aligned leadership.” Despite Whatley’s deep ties to the national party, Cooper’s moderate brand is outperforming in rural areas—a region Democrats usually lose badly.
• Whatley’s Weakest Link: When asked about Whatley, 34% of voters had no opinion—but of those who did, 44% viewed him unfavorably. The biggest drag? His role in the “Stop the Steal” controversy, with 1 in 5 GOP voters saying it makes them “hesitant” to back him.
• Cooper’s Secret Weapon: The governor’s approval among Black voters is 83%, but more surprisingly, he’s pulling 28% of the white working-class vote—a group that has abandoned Democrats in droves. The key? His focus on infrastructure and job growth, not culture wars.
• Why This Matters Now: While the race is two years away, the poll has already sent shockwaves through DC. GOP strategists are privately warning that Whatley could become a “liability” if national Republicans pour money into a losing effort. Meanwhile, Cooper’s team is using the data to recruit top donors—and taunting Whatley on X with the hashtag #WhatleyWho.