Election 2026: Cooper cash advantage 3 times Whatley

(The Center Square) – Democrat Roy Cooper ended 2025 with more than $12.3 million in cash on hand in his bid to win a U.S. Senate seat from North Carolina.

His chief rival, Republican Michael Whatley, closed at $3.7 million, according to the Federal Elections Commission. Saturday was the deadline for reporting calendar year 2025. The race is expected to break spending records for a U.S. Senate seat and is pivotal in the quest of each party for majority in the chamber.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis opted not to seek a third term for the six-year assignment.

Early mail-in voting started Jan. 12; voter registration deadline is Friday; and in-person early voting starts Feb. 12. The primary is March 3.

In the 1st Congressional District with redrawn map boundaries meant to favor Republicans, Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Davis is at $1.9 million cash on hand. Republican challengers are led by Laurie Buckhout ($2.2 million), followed by Asa Buck ($233,296), state Sen. Bobby Hanig ($234,142) and Ashley-Nicole Russell ($194,930).