Roy Cooper is the former Governor of North Carolina (2017-2025) and former Attorney General (2001-2017). Born and raised in Nash County, he comes from a family with deep public service roots—his mother was a public school teacher. Cooper served in the North Carolina House (1987-1991) and Senate (1991-2001) before becoming Attorney General, the longest-serving in state history at 16 years. He has never lost a statewide race and maintains high approval ratings even in a Republican-leaning state. As Governor, Cooper won re-election in 2020 by 4.5 points despite Trump carrying the state, demonstrating his ability to appeal to moderate and independent voters.
Cooper was born in Nash County and raised in Eastern North Carolina by a public school teacher mother. He earned his B.A. from UNC Chapel Hill (1979) and J.D. from UNC Law School (1982). Before politics, he practiced law with Fields & Cooper firm specializing in civil suits and insurance defense. Married to Kristin Bernhardt (guardian ad litem for foster children); has three daughters, all UNC Chapel Hill graduates. Active in Presbyterian church. Taught at Harvard Law after leaving governor's office. Known for bipartisan approach and ability to win in Republican-leaning areas.