U.S. midterm elections: Democrat Roy Cooper flips Republican-held US Senate seat in North Carolina
Democrat Roy Cooper has won the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, defeating Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley. This victory provides a crucial seat pickup for Democrats as they attempt to challenge the current Republican Senate majority.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, potentially hindering President Trump's legislative agenda for the remainder of his term.
Democrat Roy Cooper won North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race on Tuesday (November 3, 2026), according to media projections, defeating Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley and giving Democrats a crucial pickup in their battle for Senate control. Mr. Cooper, a well-known former two-term Governor, defeated a hand-picked candidate of President Donald Trump after campaigning on the high cost of food and energy as Mr. Trump’s approval ratings fell. Republicans held a 53-47 Senate majority going into Tuesday’s (November 3, 2026) elections, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control. U.S. Midterm Elections 2026 LIVE https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-midterm-elections-2026-senate-governor-races-winners-lossers-live-updates-trump-republicans-democrats-news/article71660811.ece Mr.
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