Michael Whatley

SLF, the Senate’s top GOP super PAC, is launching a $17 million ad campaign in North Carolina as part of a $71 million plan. The campaign targets Democrat Roy Cooper’s crime record, while Senate Majority PAC has reserved $11 million in the state, making it a high-cost race.

Political scientist Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University discusses ongoing debates over election laws and voting rights in an interview with Newsline, covering the 2026 midterms, President Trump's influence on election distrust, and specific North Carolina races. Critics argue recent actions by Trump's Republican allies aim to discourage voter participation.

Michael Whatley criticized North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for a court-ordered settlement that led to mass prisoner releases during the pandemic, contrasting it with approaches by Democratic governors in Colorado and Illinois. Cooper defended his actions, stating he opposed the releases and highlighted Whatley's past calls for improved prison conditions during the pandemic.

A Democratic-aligned political group is launching a $2.3 million ad campaign against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his ties to Harvey West, a convicted sex offender. The campaign, run by WinSenate PAC, highlights Whatley's past appointments of West to party roles despite his criminal record.

Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper discussed energy costs and the Iran War during campaign stops in Gaston County as part of their North Carolina U.S. Senate race.

Michael Whatley and Roy Cooper made opposing visits to Gaston County to discuss affordability issues in North Carolina’s Senate race. Whatley praised Trump’s energy policies and criticized Cooper for accepting healthcare industry donations, while Cooper accused Whatley of prioritizing corporate interests and supporting Medicaid cuts. They also disagreed on Iran’s nuclear threat and a COVID-19 prisoner release settlement.

Senate candidate Michael Whatley discussed law and order during a campaign visit in Cabarrus County. He emphasized the need for support for law enforcement officers.

Michael Whatley, a Republican U.S. Senate candidate, raised $5 million in the last quarter and has $7.8 million available. Roy Cooper raised $14.8 million and has over $27 million for the race.

Roy Cooper's campaign raised $14.8 million in the second quarter, with 95% of donations being $100 or less, indicating grassroots support. Cooper, the former North Carolina governor, is running for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in a competitive race against Republican Michael Whatley, with the 2026 midterm elections expected to focus heavily on the contest.

North Carolina Republicans are seeking increased financial support to challenge Roy Cooper in the Senate race, as Republican candidate Michael Whatley trails in polls and fundraising. Cooper, a former governor, has raised significantly more funds and holds a lead in public polling, raising concerns among GOP strategists about Whatley's visibility and campaign strategy.

The race for a North Carolina U.S. Senate seat remains closely watched as candidates Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley made campaign stops in the Charlotte area, accusing each other during events in Anson and Union counties.

Anson County residents face a water outage and boil-water advisory due to aging infrastructure, with parts of the county still without water. An engineering firm was brought in to address pumping issues, and former Gov. Roy Cooper highlighted infrastructure funding challenges, noting Anson County received $6 million for a water filtration system. County officials seek additional funding and rate increases to resolve the crisis.

A sexual assault allegation against Graham Platner in Maine has cast doubt on Democrats' path to a Senate majority, as the race becomes critical for their goal of gaining four Senate seats. The outcome in Maine, along with races in Alaska and North Carolina, will significantly impact the Senate's partisan balance.

A sexual assault allegation against Graham Platner has complicated Democrats' Senate majority prospects in Maine. Platner, denied the claim, faces uncertainty over his candidacy against Susan Collins, with Democrats urging his withdrawal. The outcome in Maine, along with races in Alaska and North Carolina, is critical for Democrats to secure Senate seats.

The article discusses the competitive Senate races that could determine the majority, with Republicans and Democrats each confident in their chances. Factors like inflation, gas prices, and Donald Trump's approval ratings are cited as challenges for both parties, while key races in North Carolina and Maine are highlighted.

The article discusses the competitive Senate races likely to determine the majority in the upcoming midterms, with Republicans and Democrats expressing confidence in their chances despite challenges like inflation and unpopular party brands. Key races include North Carolina and Maine, where candidates and political dynamics are shaping the outcomes.

Catawba College political scientist Michael Bitzer discusses a pattern where the president's party typically loses support in off-year elections, noting a decline in backing for GOP candidates like Trump and Michael Whatley in North Carolina. The article also mentions a poll assessing North Carolinians' views on the nation's founding document and its principles as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

President Donald Trump influenced Senate candidate selections by promoting loyalists over some Republican incumbents, creating uncertainty about how much MAGA Inc. will spend to support these candidates ahead of the November elections. Key races in Texas and North Carolina are highlighted, with concerns that Trump's choices may drain resources from other competitive races.

President Donald Trump has influenced U.S. Senate candidates by replacing some Republican incumbents with loyalists, raising questions about how much MAGA Inc. will spend to support them. Key races in Texas and North Carolina are highlighted, where Trump's endorsements have created competitive challenges for Republicans.

President Donald Trump influenced Senate candidate selections by supporting loyalists over incumbents, creating uncertainty about how much MAGA Inc. will spend on key races. Challenges in Texas and North Carolina involve contested Republican nominations, with Democrats targeting these seats. MAGA Inc., holding $382 million, remains non-committal on spending despite Senate leaders' appeals.

President Donald Trump reshaped the 2024 U.S. Senate map by endorsing loyalists over some Republican incumbents. The article highlights uncertainty about how much MAGA Inc., a major political fundraising group, will spend on key races in Texas and North Carolina, where Trump-backed candidates face challenges. MAGA Inc. holds $382 million but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns or party committees.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticizes former Gov. Roy Cooper for a 2021 prison settlement that allowed early inmate releases but previously supported calls for stronger prison protections during the pandemic. Whatley and NCGOP, which he led, had earlier criticized Cooper for insufficient action on prison conditions amid the crisis.

Sen. Ted Budd opposes President Donald Trump’s $87.6 billion funding request, which excludes federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina. Budd highlights ongoing infrastructure and housing needs, stating current resources are insufficient. Thom Tillis, North Carolina’s senior senator, has not publicly commented but has previously opposed Trump’s funding requests.

Democrats need to flip four Republican-held Senate seats to gain control, but new polls show only a narrow path with competitive races in states like Maine, Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, and Georgia. Current polling indicates close contests in these states, though Democrats would need significant advantages to secure the necessary seats.

North Carolina Democrats, led by Roy Cooper's Senate campaign, have raised $26 million as of March 2026, significantly outpacing his Republican opponent Michael Whatley, who raised $8 million. The Senate race is no longer considered a toss-up, with Cooper's campaign receiving national support and small-dollar donations.

Michael Whatley, born in Michigan, moved to North Carolina in his early high school years and now describes himself as a 'son' of western North Carolina while running for Senate there. His Michigan roots are no longer prominently featured in his biography.

Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by 14 points in a poll for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat. The poll was released Tuesday and shows Cooper's advantage in the race.

The 2026 North Carolina Senate race features Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley in a contest that could influence Congress control. The state has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since Obama's 2008 victory.

An elections forecaster shifted three U.S. Senate races in Democrats' favor for the 2026 midterms, including Ohio, Alaska, and North Carolina. The forecast now lists four races as pure toss-ups, with Democrats needing to sweep these and other competitive contests to gain Senate control.

North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is no longer considered a toss-up, with former Gov. Roy Cooper leading over Republican Michael Whatley. Election forecasters Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Cook Political Report have shifted the race to favor Cooper, citing Whatley’s low name recognition and Trump’s unpopularity as headwinds for GOP candidates.

North Carolina GOP Senate candidate Michael Whatley claims that centrist Democrats are being driven out of the party ahead of the midterm elections. He made the statement on Fox News, asserting there are no centrist Democrats remaining.

Michael Whatley, a Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina, supports President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' despite opposition from Senate Republicans. The fund, stemming from a settlement over leaked tax returns, faces criticism for potentially compensating individuals prosecuted by the Biden administration, including Jan. 6 rioters. Thom Tillis, a Republican senator, has strongly opposed the fund, calling it a 'payout pot for punks,' while Trump has pressured party members to align with him.

Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 11 points in the North Carolina Senate race, with nearly half of likely voters backing Cooper. The poll was conducted by The Carolina Journal/Harper Polling and surveyed 600 likely voters. Cooper is the former governor of North Carolina.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is facing criticism for being soft on crime after a teacher's murder by a career criminal who was released from prison. The case has reignited scrutiny of Cooper's criminal justice record in his Senate race against Republican candidate Michael Whatley. Cooper's campaign is distancing itself from the judge who reduced the charges.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is facing criticism for being soft on crime after a teacher was murdered by a career criminal who had been released from prison. The criminal, Ryan Camacho, had his charges reduced by a judge appointed by Cooper. Cooper is running for the US Senate seat against Republican candidate Michael Whatley.

The US economy is a key issue in the midterm elections, with tax cuts and inflation being major concerns for voters. Evan Duke, a bartender, has seen benefits from tax cuts but is worried about rising costs. The election will determine control of Congress during the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is being criticized for the early release of thousands of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with hundreds rearrested on new charges within two years. The releases were part of a settlement agreement between the state and the North Carolina NAACP, ACLU, and other groups. Cooper is currently running in a heated Senate race against Republican Michael Whatley.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is being criticized for the early release of thousands of inmates during his administration, with many rearrested on new charges within two years. The releases were part of a COVID-era agreement that has been labeled as 'complete failure' by Republicans. Cooper is currently in a heated Senate race with Republican Michael Whatley.

A North Carolina farmer criticizes Democrats for failing to connect with rural voters, highlighting affordability issues and inflation impacting agriculture. The article discusses political challenges for Democrats in rural areas and mentions Trump's administration policies affecting farmers.