Rocky Mount, North Carolina — President Donald Trump opened the 2026 midterm election cycle in North Carolina on Friday night with a lengthy rally speech attacking Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper and praising Republican contender Michael Whatley, signaling the state’s importance to GOP plans to retain control of Congress.
Speaking for more than an hour at the Rocky Mount Event Center, Trump repeatedly labeled Cooper, the state’s former governor, as “radical left,” accusing him of being weak on crime and mishandling recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Trump contrasted Cooper with Whatley, calling the Republican National Committee chair “phenomenal” and urging voters to support him in the expected Senate race.
Trump also invoked recent violent crimes in Charlotte, blaming Democratic policies for public safety failures, while Cooper’s campaign responded by pointing to his record as attorney general and governor, highlighting tougher sentencing laws and bail reforms enacted during his tenure.
Economic claims featured prominently in Trump’s remarks. He credited his administration with job growth in North Carolina and progress on inflation, while blaming former President Joe Biden for rising prices. Economists, however, have cautioned that recent inflation declines may be influenced by temporary data distortions.
Whatley used his speech to frame Cooper as aligned with national Democrats and pledged unwavering support for Trump’s agenda if elected. While Trump praised several Republican figures in attendance, he stopped short of issuing formal endorsements in other contested races.
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