U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Roy Cooper greets fans at N.C. A&T's homecoming.

More than 125 Black leaders from across the state have launched the Black Leaders for Roy Coalition in support of the former governor’s campaign for U.S. Senate.

Cooper for Senate announced the coalition last week in partnership with Black leaders and supporters from Buncombe County to Pitt County. The coalition brings Cooper to listening sessions, organizing events and regular meetings with Black citizens across the state. 

“Roy is working hard to earn every vote, and our campaign is listening to and talking with Black North Carolinians throughout the state about how Roy will continue to stand up for them in the U.S. Senate,” a source from Cooper for Senate told The Tribune.

Cooper’s campaign promises to lower costs on working class people and protect voting rights and access in North Carolina. His “Make Stuff Cost Less” campaign includes regulations on insurance, healthcare, grocery, utility, housing and childcare costs, all which weigh heavily on the state’s working families.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Cooper’s opponent, Michael Whatley. Cooper expressed gratitude to the African American community for its support in a release.

“I’m grateful to have the support of so many Black leaders from all across North Carolina,” he said. “From food to health care to housing, North Carolina families are facing skyrocketing prices and DC insiders like Michael Whatley are the problem. I am running to bring North Carolina common sense to Washington DC, push back against the attacks on voting rights and make stuff cost less.” 

Cooper for Senate is also working to protect voting access among the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to gut the Voting Rights Act, which has lasting impacts in the Black Belt. 

When North Carolina A&T State University’s on-campus polling site was closed by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Cooper rallied with students to show solidarity.

“From fighting to make health care more affordable to working to lower the cost of groceries, Roy will be the advocate and fighter that North Carolinians need in Washington, D.C.,” said Olu Rouse, an NCAT student leader and 2026 N.C. Black Alliance Conen Morgan Trailblazer awardee.  

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