North Carolina Senate

No change since last week
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 +5.5
Polls
recent state and district polling
D +2.7
Forecasted margin
D +5.9

What Changes the Forecast

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

Polls

Polls (17)

Race polls
PollsterDateMarginNSample
High Point UniversityAug 12, 2026D +5660lv
Harper PollingAug 10, 2026D +13600lv
Change ResearchAug 6, 2026D +7915lv
Change ResearchAug 1, 2026D +9967rv
YouGovJul 31, 2026D +11466lv
Forecast Over Time
Forecast Over Time
Dem (blue) and GOP (red) win probability over time.
Dem 83%
GOP 17%
Race Details
Expert ratings
Cook Lean D Inside Elections Tilt D Sabato Lean D
State lean
R+3 This is a competitive state that leans slightly Republican.
Candidates

Democrat Roy Cooper

Republican Michael Whatley

Seat context
Open seat. The incumbent is not seeking reelection.