Democrats landed the biggest recruiting win of the 2026 midterm elections to date when former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper launched his Senate run Monday, boosting party hopes of winning the seat opened by retiring Republican Sen.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement in support of former Gov. Roy Cooper’s candidacy for the U.S.

By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Monday, offering his Democratic Party one of its best opportunities nationwide to win back a Republican-held seat in next year's midterm elections.