Roy Cooper, former Democratic governor of North Carolina, has announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Early reactions from media outlets and political groups have been critical of Cooper’s record and campaign strategy.
Breitbart reported, “Cooper portrays to North Carolinians the image of a humble, small-town lawyer with Sunday school roots. But Cooper’s record as governor tells a far different story, marked by radicalism and culture war extremism.”
According to the Daily Caller, “Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is aligning himself with one of President Donald Trump’s longtime foes as he mounts a campaign to flip North Carolina’s open Senate seat blue.
Cooper sent a joint fundraising email with Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff just an hour after announcing his Senate bid Monday, telling supporters that he is ‘grateful’ to have Schiff’s endorsement. Cooper’s decision to fundraise with Schiff comes as the North Carolina Democrat is likely to cast himself as a moderate during the campaign — but national Republican groups are eager to use Cooper’s left-wing record as governor against him.
Schiff followed up his fundraising effort for Cooper by publicly endorsing the North Carolina Democrat Monday.
‘Go get ‘em, Gov,’ Schiff wrote from his personal account on the social media platform X. ‘America needs you.'”
The Daily Wire noted controversy during Cooper’s time in office: “During his tenure, he vetoed multiple Republican-backed bills, including legislation banning trans surgery for minors and a bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE. His handling of COVID-19 restrictions sparked controversy, with many Republican lawmakers accusing him of government overreach.
Republicans quickly dismissed Cooper, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee branding him a ‘Democrat lapdog.'”
Raleigh News & Observer raised questions about claims made in Cooper’s campaign launch: “In his launch video, Cooper trots out a string of largely empty claims. He boasts that North Carolina balanced its budget every year under his watch, without mentioning that the state constitution requires it, and that he played little role in the fiscal discipline that made our state a success.
He says he ‘worked with Republicans to raise teacher pay.’ But in reality, he vetoed nearly every budget that included those raises. Then, when they passed without his support, he tried to take a victory lap anyway. That’s not leadership, but revisionism.”
The Blue Ridge Times commented on legal requirements affecting state budgets: “North Carolina is required by law to pass a balanced budget it. It seems weird to brag about doing the bare minimum. Additionally, Cooper’s time as governor was marked by constant conflict with Republicans in the General Assembly. He vetoed over 100 bills, far more than any previous North Carolina governor.
Even worse, Cooper fundamentally disagreed with Republicans over the key policies that he is now taking credit for. Republicans in the General Assembly passed budgets over Cooper’s objection that raised teacher pay, expanded school choice, and created the climate that made North Carolina the top state for business. No wonder, Senate Leader Phil Berger quickly called out Cooper for trying to “rewrite” history.”
Townhall addressed criticism regarding international issues: “North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) silence speaks volumes as he refuses to condemn radical anti-Israel Democrats within his own party. At a time when unwavering support for America’s staunchest ally is crucial, Cooper’s refusal to take a stand not only emboldens extremists but also signals a dangerous tolerance for anti-Semitic rhetoric.”
“Roy Cooper’s rough launch into a campaign he isn’t ready to run shows the desperation Democrats face in 2026. He can’t hide his radical record from voters this time,” said NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer.
