A recent Fox News poll indicates that in North Carolina, 51% of Democrats express extreme interest in the midterm elections compared to 42% of Republicans. Additionally, 58% of Democrats report being extremely motivated to vote, while 50% of Republicans feel the same. Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley in the Senate race, with 53% support compared to Whatley's 44%. The gap widens among those extremely interested in the election, with Cooper at 57% and Whatley at 42%, and among those extremely motivated to vote, with Cooper at 55% and Whatley at 42%.
Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is competing to fill the seat of retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Cooper, who served as North Carolina’s governor from 2017 to 2025, garners significant support from moderates, younger voters, independents, and women, as well as some non-MAGA Republicans. Whatley finds his strongest backing among very conservative voters and White evangelical Christians.
The poll also reveals that 52% of Whatley’s supporters are voting for him, while 46% are voting against Cooper. In contrast, 84% of Cooper's supporters are voting for him rather than against Whatley. Most voters are committed to their choices, with 81% of Cooper's supporters and 77% of Whatley's supporters certain to vote for their respective candidates.
Public perception of President Trump complicates the race for Whatley, with 40% of North Carolina voters viewing him favorably and 58% unfavorably. Concerns about Whatley’s association with Trump are shared by 48% of voters, including a majority of moderates and independents. In comparison, 42% of voters express concern about Cooper’s ties to the Democratic establishment, predominantly among Republicans.
The poll indicates that inflation is the top issue for voters, with 36% identifying it as the most important factor in their Senate vote. Political divisions and healthcare follow closely, each cited by 13% of respondents. North Carolina's recent voting history shows a mixed pattern, with Democrats winning 8 of the last 10 gubernatorial elections, while Republicans have secured 11 of the last 12 presidential elections.