# Roy Cooper

> Roy Cooper served as Governor of North Carolina from 2017 to 2025, and previously as state Attorney General for 16 years and in the state legislature for 14 years.

## Key facts

- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- Current office: Former Governor of North Carolina
- State: NC
- Race: North Carolina Senate 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Nash County, NC
- Race rating: Lean Democratic
- Campaign website: https://roycooper.com

## Biography

Roy Cooper was born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina. He attended public schools and worked summers on the family farm before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his law degree from UNC School of Law. Cooper served in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1987 to 2001, including as Senate Majority Leader. He served as North Carolina Attorney General from 2001 to 2017. He was elected Governor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, serving until January 2025.

## Background

- Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law
- Professional background: Attorney; Governor of North Carolina (2017–2025); North Carolina Attorney General (2001–2017)
- Public service: North Carolina General Assembly (1987–2001); North Carolina Attorney General (2001–2017); Governor of North Carolina (2017–2025)

## Opponents in this race

- [Michael Whatley](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-north-carolina-r-2026.md) — Republican
- [Roy Cooper](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/roy-cooper-north-carolina-d-2026.md) — Democrat
- [Michael Whatley](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-nc-2026.md) — Republican

## Sources

- 2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina
- Roy Cooper for North Carolina — Official Campaign Website: https://roycooper.com/about/

Last updated: 2026-06-15T19:51:59.440Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/roy-cooper-nc-2026
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