Fox News Poll: Democratic enthusiasm shapes North Carolina Senate race

In North Carolina, more Democrats than Republicans say they are extremely interested in the midterm elections (51% vs. 42%), and more Democrats also say they are extremely motivated to vote (58% vs. 50%).

This enthusiasm advantage creates an edge in the Senate matchup.Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 53% to 44% in the race to fill the state’s open Senate seat, according to a Fox News poll of North Carolina voters.Cooper’s gap widens to 15 points among those saying they’re extremely interested in the election (57% vs.

42%) and 13 points among those extremely motivated to vote (55% vs. 42%). The race is unchanged among those saying they’re "certain" to vote (53% to 44%).

FOX NEWS POLL: COOL YOUR SERVERS! VOTERS REJECT DATA CENTERSWhatley is the former chair of the Republican National Committee, while Cooper served as North Carolina’s governor from 2017-2025. The candidates are vying to fill the seat held by retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

Cooper receives high support from moderates, voters under age 30, independents, voters with a college degree, and women. He also captures support from about one in five non-MAGA Republicans and conservatives.Whatley performs best among very conservative voters, White evangelical Christians, White voters without a college degree, and rural voters.

There’s also an enthusiasm gap when voters are asked why they back their candidate. Some 52% of Whatley’s supporters say they’re voting for him, while 46% say it’s mainly against Cooper. By contrast, 84% of Cooper supporters say they’re voting for him rather than against Whatley (13%).

FOX NEWS POLL: SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR BOTH VOTER ID LAWS AND MAIL-IN BALLOTSMost voters are committed to their choice: 81% of Cooper’s backers say they’re certain to vote for him and it’s 77% among Whatley supporters. Overall, one in five voters say they could switch their pick. President Trump complicates the contest for Whatley.

Forty percent of North Carolina voters view the pre