Mitch Kokai Spokesperson for the John Locke Foundation

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper —who is undefeated in statewide elections over a long political career — said Monday that he would run for this battleground state’s open U.S. Senate seat. RNC Director Michael Whatley is expected to soon announce his candidacy. Republicans have long been preparing for a likely battle against Cooper — even before Tillis said last month that he wouldn’t seek reelection following a public falling out with Trump over the president’s tax-and-spending bill that sponsors titled the One Big Beautiful Bill. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Whatley’s campaign.