The high-stakes, battleground Senate race that no one is talking about

North Carolina’s Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley has become a pivotal contest in the upcoming midterms, despite receiving relatively little national attention compared to other high-profile matchups. With Democrats aiming to flip the Senate and secure control of Congress, the outcome in this traditionally red state could determine whether they achieve their goal. Cooper, a former governor known for his long tenure and broad appeal, currently leads Whatley by a wide margin in both fundraising and public perception. According to recent reports, Cooper has raised over $18.5 million in cash on hand, while Whatley trails with more than $2.5 million. The race has remained subdued, focusing largely on affordability and economic concerns that mirror broader national trends. However, the under-the-radar nature of the contest has left some Republicans concerned about the lack of visibility for Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair and close ally of former president Donald Trump. Despite his experience within the party, Whatley struggles with name recognition among voters, particularly in rural areas where he lacks a strong local base. “He has an uphill climb,” said Tuesday Sauer, chair of the Bertie County GOP. “Even though he was the RNC chair, a lot of people who aren't politically involved really don't know who Michael Whatley is.” Republicans argue that Whatley’s campaign has not effectively positioned him against Cooper, who is viewed as a familiar face and a proven leader. Cooper’s campaign has highlighted his record on crime and tax policies, emphasizing his role in maintaining law and order and managing the state’s economy. Meanwhile, Whatley’s team has framed the race as one of accountability, accusing Cooper of failing to address prison overcrowding during the pandemic. Cooper, during his time as governor, brokered a deal with civil rights groups to release approximately 3,500 inmates to mitigate health risks in overcrowded facilities. Critics, including Whatley’s campaign, claim that this decision led to an increase in criminal activity, suggesting that Cooper bears responsibility for the resulting violence. Cooper’s campaign has countered these claims, asserting that Whatley played a key role in advocating for the release of inmates during the pandemic. “Whatley and his allies have been caught lying time and time again, but the truth is Roy Cooper spent his career locking up criminals while Whatley pushed for prisoners to be released during Covid,” said Cooper campaign spokesperson Kate Smart in a statement. This issue has become a central point of contention, with both campaigns leveraging the lingering effects of the pandemic to shape voter sentiment. As the election approaches, the race is expected to intensify, with both sides likely to focus heavily on messaging around crime, taxes, and economic stability. Whatley’s campaign is reportedly seeking increased financial support from the national GOP, hoping to close the gap in funds and visibility. Without a significant boost in resources, Whatley faces an uphill battle against a well-funded and widely recognized opponent. The race will serve as a barometer of how deeply the nation still remembers the challenges posed by the pandemic and whether voters remain receptive to the arguments advanced by either side.