Republicans fear they have a North Carolina problem
Politics — 2026-09-12 13:00:00 — www.politico.com
President Trump Acknowledges GOP Struggles in North Carolina Senate Race
President Donald Trump has publicly recognized the uphill battle facing Republicans in North Carolina’s Senate contest, a race that could prove pivotal in determining control of the Senate. Speaking at the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas, Trump addressed the challenges head-on, stating, “Now in North Carolina, you have a little more difficult case, because people don’t quite get it, but they’re going to find out,” while reaffirming his support for Michael Whatley, the Republican nominee and Trump’s former handpicked Republican National Committee chair.
Trump’s remarks come as public polling consistently shows Democrat Roy Cooper leading Whatley by double digits among likely voters. The president’s acknowledgment reflects growing anxiety within Republican ranks, as party strategists and operatives question whether even a substantial influx of campaign cash can reverse the current trajectory.
The White House has announced that Trump will travel to Gastonia, North Carolina, for a campaign rally with Whatley in an effort to energize the Republican base. Allies of Whatley’s campaign hope the president’s visit will motivate right-leaning voters who tend to engage late in the election cycle.
Despite significant spending commitments from Republican super PACs, including $71 million pledged by the Senate Leadership Fund and additional millions from groups aligned with Trump’s MAGA Inc., the state’s expensive media markets and Cooper’s polling advantage present ongoing hurdles.
Trump’s direct acknowledgment of the “difficult case” in North Carolina signals a rare moment of candor about Republican vulnerabilities in a state that has historically leaned red at the presidential level. As the campaign enters its final stretch, the outcome in North Carolina remains uncertain, with both parties bracing for a potentially close and hard-fought race.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/12/gop-anxiety-grows-north-carolina-senate-race-01073311