Younger, Black voters put Cooper up 53–42 in NC Senate poll
AARP polling shows Democrat Roy Cooper holding a 53%–42% lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 North Carolina U.S. Senate contest, driven by support from younger and Black voters.
AARP polling finds Democrat Roy Cooper ahead of Republican Michael Whatley 53% to 42% in the race for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 midterms. AARP says the margin is largely fueled by stronger support from younger voters and Black voters.