By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-roy-cooper-speaks-after-flipping-north-carolina-senate-seat-for-democrats Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Roy Cooper speaks after flipping North Carolina Senate seat for Democrats Politics Nov 3, 2026 9:10 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check Supporters erupted into cheers, hugs and chants when they learned former Gov. Roy Cooper had won election to the U.S. Senate representing North Carolina. Watch Cooper speak in the video player above. A crowd gathered in a downtown Raleigh hotel ballroom Tuesday night, where music was thumping and CNN played on a big screen. When the news of Cooper's victory appeared, the crowd exploded and began chanting, "Cooper! Cooper!" Anderson Clayton, who leads North Carolina's Democratic Party, said Cooper's decades in elected office made him an especially strong candidate. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News "He's woven into the fabric of North Carolina," she said. By electing Cooper, North Carolina…
WATCH: Roy Cooper speaks after flipping North Carolina Senate seat for Democrats
In short
The former governor secured a federal seat after overcoming Republican opponent Michael Whatley on election night. Campaign backers packed a downtown Raleigh hotel ballroom, erupting into loud chants and embraces once official broadcast projections confirmed the race results. State party officials swiftly commended his long tenure in public service, describing him as deeply intertwined with the community. Furthermore, Gov. Josh Stein commended the electorate for choosing competence over chaos at the ballot box.
Key points
- The election outcome successfully flipped the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat for the Dem…: The election outcome successfully flipped the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat for the Democratic Party.
- State Democratic Party leader Anderson Clayton cited Cooper's extensive career as evidenc…: State Democratic Party leader Anderson Clayton cited Cooper's extensive career as evidence he is woven into the state.
- Democratic Governor Josh Stein asserted that North Carolina voters decisively chose compe…: Democratic Governor Josh Stein asserted that North Carolina voters decisively chose competence over chaos by electing Cooper.