Roy Cooper Launches Senate Campaign Amid Controversial Record

Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Democrat and former governor, kicked off his Senate campaign on Monday, using videos featuring nostalgic scenes of middle-class life. However, his positions raise questions for many. He has not committed to protecting parental rights, supports transgender medical procedures for minors, and has resisted measures against illegal immigration. He even declared a “state of emergency” concerning school choice.

While Cooper likes to present himself as a modest lawyer with traditional roots, his time as governor paints a different picture. It’s filled with what some might call extremism—especially concerning the ongoing culture wars.

In his campaign launch, Cooper shared idealized images of everyday life and spoke against billionaires and large corporations, positioning himself as a champion for North Carolinians in the Senate. Yet, a closer look at his record reveals a different story.

Cooper expressed that the country is facing a “fragile moment,” yet he seems to overlook his own part in fostering division and fear during his governorship. He noted, “North Carolina had front row seats on the impact of climate change,” while simultaneously warning about women fearing governmental intrusion in healthcare settings.

He criticized House Bill 574, describing Republican efforts as igniting a cultural war and describing their decisions as uninformed concerning vulnerable children. He justified his veto by claiming the bill would harm the state’s reputation and economic standing. Cooper also opposed both the Parents’ Bill of Rights and legislation limiting transgender procedures for minors. All three of his vetoes were ultimately overturned by a Republican-controlled Congress.

In his announcement, he notably omitted his past stances, such as pushing for US pharmacies to distribute abortion pills and rejecting a bill designed to prevent abortions based solely on Down syndrome diagnoses. Moreover, despite enrolling his child in a private school, he publicly expressed a “state of emergency” over school choice, which seems questionable. His assertion during the pandemic that wearing a mask signified “strength” adds further complexity to his narrative.

Additionally, Cooper declined to support a law mandating sheriffs to cooperate with immigration authorities, contributing to the continuation of sanctuary jurisdictions in North Carolina.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has labeled Cooper as a “radical left-wing” figure, noting his consistent alignment with progressive causes. In 2023, he vetoed a law that eliminated the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program from state governance, while interestingly, his daughter took a private sector role in promoting DEI and ESG efforts.

Before Cooper’s entry into the Senate race, RNC chairperson Michael Whatley described him as a formidable opponent in light of Trump’s backing. Whatley has yet to officially announce his candidacy, but his growing grassroots support positions him as a prominent conservative candidate.