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.
Expand access and lower costs
Supports Medicaid expansion and protecting healthcare from Republican cuts. Opposes policies that raise costs for working families.
Voting History: As governor, expanded Medicaid despite Republican legislature opposition, providing coverage to 670,000+ residents
Protect abortion access
Vetoed GOP abortion bans, signed executive orders protecting providers and patients, and protected medication abortion access.
Voting History: Consistently vetoed Republican abortion restrictions as governor; endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All and NARAL
Fund schools and support teachers
Opposed tax cuts that defund schools. Worked to raise teacher pay and increase education investments.
Voting History: Raised teacher pay 19%, opposed GOP tax policies; endorsed by NEA and NCAE
Transition to clean energy
Set goals for 100% clean energy by 2050. North Carolina rose to #9 nationally in clean energy jobs under his leadership.
Voting History: Signed Executive Orders 80 and 305 directing state toward clean energy and wetland protection; endorsed by NC League of Conservation Voters
As governor, Cooper issued 104 vetoes against the Republican-controlled legislature, with the GOP overriding roughly half. His record reflects consistent Democratic positions on healthcare, education, abortion rights, and environmental protection, while attempting to work across the aisle on some fiscal matters. He achieved major victories on Medicaid expansion despite legislative opposition, but faced defeats on abortion restrictions, gun laws, and corporate tax cuts.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | Expansion of Medicaid under Affordable Care Act | Supported | 2023-07-01 | After years of negotiation, Cooper secured Medicaid expansion providing coverage to nearly 670,000 North Carolinians—major legislative victory despite GOP opposition |
| HB 2 Repeal | Repeal of 'Bathroom Bill' | Supported | 2017-03-30 | Supported bipartisan effort to repeal controversial bathroom restrictions on transgender individuals |
| Abortion Restrictions | GOP Abortion Ban Bills | Vetoed Multiple | 2020-2024 | Consistently vetoed Republican-sponsored abortion restrictions throughout both gubernatorial terms |
| Executive Order 80 | Clean Energy Transition Goal | Signed | 2019-01-01 | Directed state toward 100% clean energy by 2050; led to North Carolina becoming #9 nationally in clean energy jobs |
Campaign messaging emphasizes pragmatism, bipartisan track record, and focus on everyday economic concerns. Positions himself as independent-minded ('strong, independent senator who will work with this president when I can and stand up to him when the people need me to'). Attacks Whatley as 'D.C. insider' and 'out of touch,' maintaining more moderate tone than national Democratic messaging.
'Roy Cooper chose criminal illegal aliens over North Carolina communities'
Reference to Cooper's veto of immigration cooperation legislation and critics linking his criminal justice approach to violent crimes
Cooper is 'soft on crime' and responsible for high crime rates
Whatley campaign ads tie Cooper to fatal 2025 light-rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by criminal suspect Decarlos Brown Jr., who had served prison time
Cooper botched hurricane responses and disaster management
GOP attacks reference slow response to Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018); Whatley touts his Hurricane Helene recovery role as contrast
Cooper represents 'failed policies of the left' and Washington Democratic extremism
Whatley frames race as choice between Trump ally and Democratic leftist; campaign materials connect Cooper to national Democratic positions