North Carolina Senate

How We Got This
Partisan Lean
how the seat votes compared with the nation
R +2.5
Fundamentals
candidates, fundraising, experts
D +0.2
National Environment
current political climate
D +3.5
Polls
recent state and district polling
D +1.3
Forecasted margin
D +2.5
Polls

Polls (17)

Race polls
PollsterDateMarginNSample
Harper PollingMay 11, 2026D +11600lv
Change ResearchMay 8, 2026D +7957lv
Opinion DiagnosticsApr 24, 2026D +9830rv
High Point UniversityApr 6, 2026D +8703lv
Quantus InsightsApr 1, 2026D +5987lv
What Changes the Forecast

What Changes the Forecast

We're just making an assumption based on the national environment at this point.

Forecast Over Time
Forecast Over Time
D (blue) and R (red) win probability over time
D 60%
R 40%
Race Details
Expert Ratings
Cook: Lean DInside Elections: TossupSabato: Tossup
State Lean
This is a competitive state that leans slightly Republican (R+3).
Candidates
Roy Cooper (D) Michael Whatley (R)
Seat Context
Open seat. The incumbent is not seeking reelection.