{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Shannon W. Bray","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"LIB","person":{"biography":"Shannon Wilson Bray is the Libertarian Party nominee for the United States Senate seat from North Carolina in the 2026 general election, appearing on the ballot on November 3, 2026 after the Libertarian primary was cancelled and he advanced unopposed [1].  Bray was born in Marrero, Louisiana, and served six years in the U.S. Navy (1991\u20111997) before transitioning to a civilian career in technology and cybersecurity [1][7].\n\nHe earned an associate\u2019s degree from Arapahoe Community College in 2014, a bachelor\u2019s degree in information technology from Colorado State University Global Campus in 2016, and a master\u2019s degree in cybersecurity from the University of Delaware in 2018, graduating with a 4.0 GPA [1][7].  He later completed a Ph.D. in computer science at Missouri University of Science and Technology (2021) and also attended Nicholls State University earlier in his academic path [7].\n\nBray\u2019s professional experience spans more than two decades in information technology, software development, and information security.  He has held senior roles such as Virtual Chief Information Security Officer for Secured Systems LLC (2015\u2011present), Chief Information Security Officer at ShareSquared, Inc. (2015\u20112019), Senior Systems Architect for the U.S. Department of Defense (2018\u20112019), and Senior SharePoint Architect at rmsource, Inc. (2016\u20112018).  Earlier positions include senior web development and architecture work for Visa, corporate services, and various consulting firms, as well as authoring Microsoft Press books on SharePoint administration [7].\n\nIn addition to his technical career, Bray is active in several veteran and maritime organizations.  He has served as a Technology Fellow for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a regional director for the North Carolina chapter of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and holds leadership roles in the Navy League of the United States.  He also volunteers with the United States Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary and coaches CyberPatriot teams [1][7].\n\nBray\u2019s Senate campaign is built around a \u201cliberty\u2011first\u201d platform that emphasizes digital privacy, civil liberties, and limited government.  He argues that modern surveillance threatens constitutional rights and advocates for policies that protect personal data without creating a surveillance state.  A hallmark of his campaign is the use of cryptocurrency both as a fundraising tool and as a policy focus; he contends that blockchain technology can enable transparent, secure elections and reduce reliance on traditional money streams [17].  He also opposes federal vaccine mandates, citing concerns about individual autonomy and potential side effects [17].\n\nDuring the 2026 election cycle, Bray has been active in Libertarian Party events, including speaking at the Wake County Libertarian Party Convention in January 2026, where he outlined his vision for a competent, accountable government that respects individual freedom [20].  He continues to promote his candidacy through a dedicated website (shannonbray.us), social media channels, and outreach to voters who feel unrepresented by the two major parties, emphasizing that third\u2011party votes can influence outcomes when they exceed the 6\u202f% threshold needed for ballot access [19][17].\n\nBray\u2019s prior runs for office include a 2022 U.S. Senate bid in which he received roughly 172,000 votes, a record for Libertarian candidates in North Carolina, and a 2024 campaign for Lieutenant Governor.  His experience as a veteran, technologist, and third\u2011party advocate shapes his message that \u201ccompetence over partisanship\u201d should guide the Senate\u2019s work on issues ranging from cybersecurity to civil liberties.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Shannon Bray - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Shannon_Bray)\n- [4] [Tillis defeats Cunningham in U.S. Senate election in N.C. - Ballotpedia News](https://news.ballotpedia.org/2020/11/16/tillis-defeats-cunningham-in-u-s-senate-election-in-n-c/)\n- [5] [United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina,_2026)\n- [6] [2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina)\n- [7] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/186258/shannon-bray)\n- [9] [Shannon Bray for North Carolina | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ShannonBrayNC/)\n- [10] [Shannon Bray \ud83e\ude99 (@ShannonBrayNC) \u00b7 X](https://twitter.com/ShannonBrayNC)\n- [11] [Shannon Bray \ud83e\ude99 (@ShannonBrayNC) / X](https://x.com/shannonbraync?lang=en)\n- [14] [Shannon Bray for NC - US Senate](https://www.shannonbray.us/)\n- [16] [Shannon Bray - North Carolina Health News](https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/govpack_profiles/shannon-bray/)\n- [17] [Campaigning for the U.S. Senate: Shannon Bray hopes to address cryptocurrency and being a third party candidate - Elon News Network](https://www.elonnewsnetwork.com/article/2022/10/campaigning-for-the-u-s-senate-shannon-bray)\n- [18] [Shannon Bray at Shannon Bray for NC - US Senate](https://www.shannonbray.us/tags/shannon_bray)\n- [19] [The Power of the 3rd Party Voter - Shannon Bray for North Carolina](https://www.shannonbray.us/3pvoter)\n- [20] [News - Shannon Bray for North Carolina Governor](https://www.shannonbray.us/news)","firstname":"Shannon","lastname":"Bray","middlename":"Wilson","suffix":null,"token":"1f23a9ef5cfb42d2"},"token":"lCu3kgXMRF"},{"candidatename":"Michael Whatley","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"Michael David Whatley is the Republican nominee for the United States Senate seat from North Carolina in the 2026 midterm election, facing Democrat former Governor Roy\u202fCooper on November\u202f3,\u202f2026\u30101\u3011.  Whatley\u2019s candidacy follows a career in party leadership and federal government service, but he has never held elected office.\n\nBorn in 1968 or 1969 in western North Carolina, Whatley grew up in Blowing\u202fRock, the son of an accountant and a librarian.  He graduated from Watauga High School in 1987 and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1991, a master\u2019s in religion from Wake\u202fForest University in 1993, and both a master\u2019s in theology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre\u202fDame in 1994\u20111997\u30104\u3011.  He later worked as a federal law clerk in Charlotte before entering public service.\n\nWhatley\u2019s early federal experience began as legal counsel to U.S.\u202fSen. Paul\u202fCoverdell (R\u2011GA) in 2000, followed by a role as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S.\u202fDepartment of Energy under the George\u202fW.\u202fBush administration from 2001\u20112003\u30101\u3011.  He later served as chief of staff to U.S.\u202fSen. Elizabeth\u202fDole (2004\u20112007)\u30104\u3011 and as a partner at lobbying firm HBW\u202fResources (2007\u20112022)\u30101\u3011.  From 2008\u20112019 he was executive vice\u2011president of the Consumer Energy Alliance, a trade group representing oil and gas interests\u30101\u3011.\n\nIn June\u202f2019, Whatley was elected chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, a position he held until March\u202f2024 when he was chosen by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to replace Ronna\u202fMcDaniel as national chair\u30104\u3011\u30101\u3011.  He served as RNC chair from March\u202f8\u202f2024 until his resignation on August\u202f22\u202f2025 after announcing his Senate run\u30101\u3011\u30103\u3011.  During his tenure he oversaw staff reductions and helped steer the party\u2019s 2024 election strategy, working closely with President Donald\u202fTrump, who endorsed Whatley for the Senate seat in July\u202f2025\u30101\u3011\u301014\u3011.\n\nWhatley\u2019s 2026 Senate campaign was officially filed on December\u202f2\u202f2025 via the State Board of Elections, with a campaign website at michaelwhatley.com and a Facebook page announcing his candidacy\u301011\u3011\u30106\u3011.  He has framed his platform around \u201cputting America First,\u201d promising lower taxes, higher wages, stronger border security, and disaster\u2011relief leadership after Hurricane\u202fHelene, a role he held as a Trump\u2011appointed \u201crecovery czar\u201d for western North Carolina\u301015\u3011\u30107\u3011.  He emphasizes his experience in energy policy, citing his work on the Trump administration\u2019s Farm and Energy Plans, and positions himself as a \u201chard\u2011core conservative\u201d and a loyal Trump ally\u301012\u3011\u301014\u3011.\n\nWhatley\u2019s campaign has attracted both praise and criticism.  Republican leaders such as Rep. Richard\u202fHudson and former Senate candidate Cory\u202fGardner have lauded his leadership and fundraising abilities\u301015\u3011.  Conversely, Democratic opponents have highlighted his support for former Lt.\u202fGov.\u202fMark\u202fRobinson and his ties to the oil lobby, portraying him as an extremist on cultural issues\u301013\u3011.  Financial disclosures show he has raised roughly $1.4\u202fmillion for the Senate race as of late 2025, while Cooper has raised over $10\u202fmillion\u301014\u3011.\n\nIf elected, Whatley would join the Senate without prior legislative experience, bringing a background in party administration, energy policy, and federal executive work.  The race is expected to be one of the most expensive Senate contests in the nation, with both parties viewing the seat as pivotal for control of the chamber in the 2026 cycle\u301014\u3011\u301017\u3011.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Michael Whatley - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Whatley)\n- [2] [Roy Cooper (D), Michael Whatley (R), and three other candidates are running in North Carolina's U.S. Senate election on November 3, 2026 - Ballotpedia News](https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/04/06/roy-cooper-d-michael-whatley-r-and-three-other-candidates-are-running-in-north-carolinas-u-s-senate-election-on-november-3-2026/)\n- [3] [Republican National Committee - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Republican_National_Committee)\n- [4] [Michael Whatley - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Whatley)\n- [5] [Michael Whatley for Senate (@whatleyfornc)](https://www.facebook.com/whatleyfornc/)\n- [6] [Home | Whatley for Senate](https://www.michaelwhatley.com/)\n- [7] [What to know about Michael Whatley, the WNC native running for US Senate in 2026 \u2013 The Appalachian](https://theappalachianonline.com/what-to-know-about-michael-whatley-the-wnc-native-running-for-us-senate-in-2026/)\n- [8] [Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley secure nominations in North Carolina US Senate race | wcnc.com](https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/elections/march-3-2026-nc-us-senate-gop-primary-election/275-1720dfd7-8337-4879-b9bf-015fa8258b3f)\n- [9] [Michael Whatley - Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124450754)\n- [11] [Michael Whatley officially enters North Carolina Senate race, endorsed by Trump](https://wlos.com/news/local/michael-whatley-officially-enters-north-carolina-senate-race-endorsed-president-donald-trump-usa-politics-government-roy-cooper-republican-gop-state-board-elections)\n- [12] [Michael Whatley on the Issues](https://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Michael_Whatley.htm)\n- [13] [Democrats hammer NC Senate candidate Michael Whatley for support of Mark Robinson \u2022 NC Newsline](https://ncnewsline.com/2025/08/12/democrats-hammer-nc-senate-candidate-michael-whatley-for-support-of-mark-robinson/)\n- [14] [Michael Whatley ties himself closely to Trump in the early stages of North Carolina's critical Senate race](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/michael-whatley-ties-trump-north-carolina-senate-race-rcna249551)\n- [15] [Republican Michael Whatley enters US Senate race in North Carolina](https://www.carolinajournal.com/republican-michael-whatley-enters-us-senate-race-in-north-carolina/)\n- [17] [Brown, Temple seek to upend Whatley for GOP nomination in NC\u2019s U.S. Senate race :: WRAL.com](https://www.wral.com/news/state/brown-temple-seek-upend-whatley-gop-nomination-nc-senate-race-2025/)\n- [18] [Michael Whatley - Previously held position: Republican National Committee (March 2024-Aug. 2025), Chair - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/29995/Michael_David_Whatley.html)","firstname":"Michael","lastname":"Whatley","middlename":"David","suffix":null,"token":"c4c0b0d05a9259b7"},"token":"pOBdpdo6fk"},{"candidatename":"Roy Cooper","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nRoy Asberry Cooper III is the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate from North Carolina in the November 3, 2026 general election; the North Carolina State Board of Elections lists one U.S. Senate seat on that statewide ballot [3]. The Federal Election Commission records him as a Democratic candidate for an open North Carolina Senate seat, candidate ID S6NC00407, with Cooper for North Carolina (C00913566) as his principal campaign committee [1].\n\nIn the March 3, 2026 primary, Cooper received 761,345 of the 827,755 votes recorded across the six candidates in the Democratic contest, ahead of Justin E. Dues (22,295), Marcus W. Williams (20,336), Daryl Farrow (9,727), Orrick Quick (7,275) and Robert Colon (6,777), according to the State Board of Elections' official precinct results. Michael Whatley led the Republican primary with 405,140 votes [2]. Whatley is Cooper's general-election opponent; WRAL reported that the Cook Political Report designates the race a toss-up and that Republicans have won 10 of the last 12 U.S. Senate elections in the state [4].\n\nFEC filings covering July 25, 2025 through June 30, 2026 report $34,975,789.18 in total receipts for his campaign committee, $14,258,221.92 in disbursements and $20,717,567.26 cash on hand, including $13.1 million in individual contributions and $19.8 million transferred from other authorized committees [1].\n\nHis campaign platform is organized, in its own words, around a \"Make Stuff Cost Less\" agenda covering groceries, health care, energy, child care and housing [6]. The campaign says he would \"Support Our Farmers and Stop Chaotic Tariffs,\" arguing that \"[t]ariffs drive up costs on farmers who have to pass the costs along to restaurants, groceries stores and hardworking North Carolinians,\" and would \"End the chaotic trade wars that have driven up the costs of construction materials like lumber, aluminum and steel\" [6]. Other planks listed include reinstating Affordable Care Act tax credits and reversing Medicaid cuts, banning \"algorithm-driven rent setting,\" and blocking \"anti-competitive mergers\" in grocery retail and food processing [6]. At a campaign stop covered by WRAL, Cooper said, \"I'm running for the hard-working parent who is tired of seeing higher costs at the grocery store,\" and \"If you want change in Washington, this campaign is for you. If you want to toss out the D.C. insiders, this campaign is for you\" [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nCooper was born June 13, 1957 [7]. He is a Nash County native who practiced law in Rocky Mount and holds bachelor's and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [8]. His campaign biography states that he \"was born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina, where he attended public schools and worked summers on the farm,\" that his mother was a public-school teacher, and that \"[f]or years, he taught Sunday School and tutored students in local public schools\" [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nWRAL reports that Cooper was elected to the North Carolina House in 1986 and appointed to the state Senate four years later, becoming Senate majority leader in 1997 [8]; WRAL's 2026 account gives his service as 1987 to 1991 in the House and 1991 to 2001 in the Senate [4]. He was elected attorney general in 2000 and served four four-year terms as head of the Department of Justice, an office that \"oversees the State Crime Lab, represents consumers in complaints and is responsible for defending the state in court\" [8].\n\nCooper was sworn in as North Carolina's 75th governor on January 1, 2017 [8]. The National Governors Association records his two terms as January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2025 [7]. In the 2016 general election he defeated incumbent Republican Pat McCrory by 2,309,157 votes to 2,298,880 \u2014 a margin of 10,277 \u2014 with Libertarian Lon Cecil receiving 102,977, per the State Board of Elections' official precinct results [9]. In 2020 he was re-elected over Republican Dan Forest, 2,834,790 to 2,586,604, with Libertarian Steven J. DiFiore at 60,449 and Constitution Party candidate Al Pisano at 20,934 [10]. WRAL reported in 2026 that Cooper \"has never lost an election in nearly 50 years as a candidate\" [4].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\n**Medicaid expansion.** Cooper signed House Bill 76 on March 27, 2023; it became Session Law 2023-7 [11], titled \"AN ACT to provide north carolina citizens with greater access to healthcare options\" [12]. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported that expansion launched December 1, 2023, that more than 600,000 people enrolled in the first year \u2014 reaching a two-year enrollment target in one year \u2014 that nearly 300,000 people already receiving Medicaid Family Planning benefits were enrolled immediately, and that more than 217,183 rural residents gained coverage [13]. Cooper said in that announcement: \"From day one, we set out to get people covered and get them care. Now, more than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications and manage their chronic health conditions \u2014 that's life-changing\" [13].\n\n**House Bill 2 repeal.** On March 30, 2017 Cooper signed House Bill 142, enacted as Session Law 2017-4 and titled \"aN act to reset s.l. 2016-3,\" which repealed S.L. 2016-3 and S.L. 2016-99 [14]. The same law preempted state agencies, the University of North Carolina, the community college system and local governments from \"regulation of access to multiple occupancy restrooms, showers, or changing facilities, except in accordance with an act of the General Assembly,\" and provided that \"[n]o local government in this State may enact or amend an ordinance regulating private employment practices or regulating public accommodations\" \u2014 a provision the act set to expire on December 1, 2020 [14].\n\n**Clemency.** On December 31, 2024 Cooper commuted the sentences of 15 death row inmates to life without possibility of parole, reducing pending death sentences in the state from 136 to 121. NC Newsline reported the action brought him to 34 pardons and 43 commutations in office, \"the most extensive use of clemency powers by any North Carolina governor in the 21st century\" [20]. Cooper said in a statement: \"These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose. After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison\" [20].\n\n**Hurricane Helene.** On October 23, 2024 Cooper said Helene caused an estimated $53.6 billion in damage in North Carolina and asked the General Assembly for $3.9 billion in state aid, calling it a \"down payment on western North Carolina's future.\" He said, \"It is no exaggeration to describe Helene as the deadliest and most damaging storm to ever hit North Carolina\" [21].\n\nIn his December 18, 2024 farewell address, Cooper cited Medicaid expansion, clean energy investment, medical-debt relief and public education, saying, \"We have restored our reputation as a welcoming place, where people can thrive, innovate and grow\" [19]. His campaign biography credits his governorship with \"thousands of new jobs,\" \"hundreds of bipartisan bills,\" Medicaid coverage that \"in early 2025 has already brought health care to more than 650,000 North Carolinians,\" and a plan \"to relieve more than $4 billion of existing medical debt for 2 million eligible North Carolinians\" [5].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nNC Newsline reported at the close of his tenure that Cooper \"has used the veto pen more than any governor in North Carolina history \u2014 and many of those vetoes have been overridden in response\" [19].\n\n**Abortion law, 2023.** Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 20 on May 14, 2023; the General Assembly overrode the veto and the measure became Session Law 2023-14 on May 16, 2023 [15], titled \"AN ACT to make various changes to health care laws and to appropriate funds for health care programs\" [16]. NC Newsline reported that the bill \"bans most abortions after 12 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, 'life-limiting fetal anomalies,' and emergencies,\" that Cooper's veto \"was canceled in party-line votes in both the House and Senate,\" and that he had held events across the state trying to persuade a Republican to sustain it. After the override Cooper said in a written statement: \"Strong majorities of North Carolinians don't want right-wing politicians in the exam room with women and their doctors, which is even more understandable today after several Republican lawmakers broke their promises to protect women's reproductive freedom\" [17].\n\n**Power-shift legislation.** NC Newsline reported that before Cooper first took office in 2016, \"the GOP-led General Assembly convened to strip the governor's office of significant power,\" and that in December 2024 Republicans completed an override of his veto of Senate Bill 382, a bill that \"strips offices soon to be held by Democrats of appointment power, redirecting much of that authority to Republicans\" and that made \"a litany of changes to election administration.\" The override passed the House 72-46. Per NC Newsline, \"Republicans have touted the law as another measured step in Helene aid, while making needed fixes across state government,\" while \"Democrats and advocates, many of whom have protested at the Legislative Building in recent weeks, have decried it as a 'power grab' aimed at eroding democratic government.\" When Cooper vetoed it, \"calling it a 'sham,' he said it violated the state constitution\" [18].\n\n**COVID-19 closure orders.** WRAL reported that on June 5, 2020 Cooper vetoed House Bill 536, which would have permitted bars to operate in outdoor spaces while restricting the authority of the governor and municipalities to order future closures. Cooper said: \"State and local government leaders must be able to act quickly during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge in cases that could overwhelm hospitals and harm the public. House Bill 536 would limit the ability of leaders to respond quickly to COVID-19 and hamper the health and safety of every North Carolinian.\" WRAL reported that House Speaker Tim Moore argued the proposal simply placed bars on equal footing with restaurants, that Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said other states had reopened bars without public health consequences, and that a bar-industry association filing lawsuits on behalf of 185 businesses expressed disappointment with the veto [22].\n\n**Opposition framing.** After his farewell address, North Carolina Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer criticized Cooper's \"failure in disaster recovery,\" as well as his stances on education and crime, and said: \"Roy Cooper's place in North Carolina history is secure: he is the most inconsequential governor\" [19].\n\n## Family\n\nCooper is married to Kristin Cooper [7], who served as First Lady of North Carolina during his governorship [19].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [COOPER, ROY - candidate overview (S6NC00407)](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S6NC00407/) - Federal Election Commission, accessed 2026-07-30\n[2] [Official precinct results, March 3, 2026 primary (results_pct_20260303)](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/results_pct_20260303.zip) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[3] [Upcoming Election - North Carolina 2026 Elections](https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[4] [Cooper-Whatley U.S. Senate race 'a true test of where the state is'](https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/election-primary-north-carolina-us-senate-cooper-whately-march-2026/) - WRAL, accessed 2026-07-30\n[5] [Meet Roy](https://roycooper.com/about/) - Cooper for North Carolina (campaign site), accessed 2026-07-30\n[6] [Make Stuff Cost Less](https://roycooper.com/make-stuff-cost-less/) - Cooper for North Carolina (campaign site), accessed 2026-07-30\n[7] [Roy Cooper - governor biography](https://www.nga.org/governor/roy-cooper/) - National Governors Association, accessed 2026-07-30\n[8] [Gov. Roy Cooper - profile](https://www.wral.com/story/attorney-general-roy-cooper/11959769/) - WRAL, accessed 2026-07-30\n[9] [Official precinct results, November 8, 2016 general election (results_pct_20161108)](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2016_11_08/results_pct_20161108.zip) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[10] [Official precinct results, November 3, 2020 general election (results_pct_20201103)](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2020_11_03/results_pct_20201103.zip) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[11] [House Bill 76 / SL 2023-7 - bill history](https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H76) - North Carolina General Assembly, accessed 2026-07-30\n[12] [Session Law 2023-7 (House Bill 76)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2023-2024/SL2023-7.html) - North Carolina General Assembly, accessed 2026-07-30\n[13] [Over 600,000 North Carolinians Enrolled in Medicaid Expansion](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/12/16/over-600000-north-carolinians-enrolled-medicaid-expansion) - N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, accessed 2026-07-30\n[14] [Session Law 2017-4 (House Bill 142)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2017-2018/SL2017-4.html) - North Carolina General Assembly, accessed 2026-07-30\n[15] [Senate Bill 20 / SL 2023-14 - bill history](https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/S20) - North Carolina General Assembly, accessed 2026-07-30\n[16] [Session Law 2023-14 (Senate Bill 20)](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2023-2024/SL2023-14.html) - North Carolina General Assembly, accessed 2026-07-30\n[17] [NC legislature overrides governor's veto of abortion ban to make new restrictions law](https://ncnewsline.com/2023/05/16/nc-senate-overrides-veto-of-abortion-ban-with-house-vote-to-follow/) - NC Newsline, accessed 2026-07-30\n[18] [NC Republicans pass law shifting government power, overriding Cooper's veto](https://ncnewsline.com/2024/12/11/nc-republicans-pass-law-shifting-government-power-overriding-coopers-veto/) - NC Newsline, accessed 2026-07-30\n[19] [Gov. Roy Cooper touts Medicaid, jobs and education as his legacy in farewell address](https://ncnewsline.com/2024/12/19/gov-roy-cooper-touts-medicaid-jobs-and-education-as-his-legacy-in-farewell-address/) - NC Newsline, accessed 2026-07-30\n[20] [Governor Cooper commutes 15 death sentences following years of advocacy](https://ncnewsline.com/2024/12/31/governor-cooper-commutes-15-death-sentences-following-years-of-advocacy/) - NC Newsline, accessed 2026-07-30\n[21] [Helene damages in North Carolina total $53 billion, Cooper says, as he requests new state relief](https://ncnewsline.com/2024/10/23/helene-damages-in-north-carolina-total-53-billion-cooper-says-as-he-requests-new-state-relief/) - NC Newsline, accessed 2026-07-30\n[22] [NC Gov. Cooper vetoes 'Bar Bill'](https://www.wral.com/nc-gov-cooper-vetoes-bar-bill/19131832/) - WRAL, accessed 2026-07-30","firstname":"Roy","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"Asberry","suffix":"III","token":"6f70aa83374498cb"},"token":"r12cs1YdTI"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_senator","o.office":"us_senate","office":"us_senate","officedescription":"A United States Senator represents the entire state in the upper chamber of Congress, serving a six-year term. Senators write and pass federal law, approve federal spending, confirm federal judges and executive appointments, and ratify treaties.","officequalities":"- Legislative craft at the federal level: drafting and amending federal statute, and understanding the body of law being changed.\n- Statewide constituency understanding: the economic and everyday concerns of the whole state, not a single district.\n- Persuasion and coalition-building across party and factional lines to form working majorities.\n- Integrity: acting for constituents and the public good rather than personal gain, independent of undue influence.\n- Advice and consent: senators confirm federal judges and executive appointments and ratify treaties.","officeterm":6,"officetitle":"U.S. Senator","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"Us Senate"}