Cooper Led Whatley in Recent North Carolina Survey
A mid-September poll showed Roy Cooper holding a 12-point lead over Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Data released from a Catawba College-YouGov survey conducted between September 4-15, 2026, revealed Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley 47 percent to 35 percent among North Carolina likely voters. The survey also tracked shifting approval ratings for national and state leaders ahead of the November 3, 2026, election.
Why it matters
The findings provide a window into voter sentiment in North Carolina, highlighting strong Democratic leads in generic ballot races and a significant approval gap for President Donald Trump. These metrics offer insight into the state's political leanings as both parties compete for legislative and judicial control.
The survey polled 1,000 North Carolina adults, showing a 14-point disapproval gap for President Donald Trump and a 59 percent approval rating for Governor Josh Stein. These figures serve as a benchmark for voter preferences compared to polling data from June 2026.
The players
Roy Cooper
He is a prominent Democratic politician currently involved in the North Carolina U.S. Senate race.
Michael Whatley
He is the Republican opponent challenging Roy Cooper for the U.S. Senate seat.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States whose approval ratings were measured in the survey.
Josh Stein
He is the current Governor of North Carolina who holds a 59 percent approval rating according to the poll.
Anita Earls
She is a candidate for the North Carolina state Supreme Court who polled at 44 percent support.
The details
Democratic candidates showed broad strength in the poll, capturing 47 percent of the generic U.S. House ballot and 48 percent for the N.C. state Senate. Additionally, Anita Earls led Sarah Stevens 44 percent to 36 percent in the state Supreme Court contest, while Cooper maintained an 18-point lead among women and a 60-point advantage with Black likely voters.
Timeline
June 2026 served as the comparison point for Trump and Stein approval ratings.
Fieldwork for the survey took place from September 4-15, 2026.
The midterm election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents often point to the survey's weighted sample as a potential point of contention regarding the true leanings of rural North Carolina voters. These critics argue that polling models may fluctuate as campaigns intensify efforts to mobilize their respective bases before the November election.
North Carolina voters may experience increased campaign advertising and local outreach efforts as candidates leverage these poll numbers to secure funding. The data reflects a polarized environment that could influence legislative priorities in the upcoming session.
The takeaway
The poll indicates a clear preference for Democratic candidates in major North Carolina races as the midterms approach. Voters should remain aware that these margins are snapshots of sentiment and may shift as the November 3 election date nears.
What happens next
Future survey releases from the Center for North Carolina Politics & Public Service are expected to cover voter sentiment regarding political violence and specific political movements.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming political landscape, see the latest Elections coverage.
More information
View the full Catawba College poll methodology and findings on the official university portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Post.
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