**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

• A Blue Governor & A Red Strategist? The poll tests a hypothetical 2026 Senate showdown between North Carolina’s popular Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, a close Trump ally. Early data suggests a tighter race than expected.
• The “Name Recognition Gap” Is Real. While Cooper enjoys a +12 favorable rating among all NC voters, Whatley remains unknown to over 40% of the electorate. Once biography is provided, Republican support solidifies, but independents break heavily for Cooper.
• The Real Issue? The 2024 Hangover. Respondents who believe the 2020 election was “stolen” overwhelmingly back Whatley, but suburban swing voters cite “election integrity fatigue.” The poll finds Cooper leading among this group by 18 points.
• Money Talks, But Who Listens? Whatley’s RNC connections promise a financial juggernaut, but the poll shows 57% of voters say “out-of-state spending” makes them less likely to support a candidate. Cooper’s in-state fundraising is currently outpacing projections.
• The Wildcard: Abortion & the Economy. The poll reveals a paradox: voters trust Whatley more on inflation (48% to 39%), but trust Cooper more on protecting reproductive rights (58% to 32%). In a state where 60% support abortion access, this could decide the race.