The latest ECU Poll of North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, conducted October 26 through 29, finds Democrat Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley, 54% to 45%, with 1% supporting a minor-party or write-in candidate. The nine-point margin represents a slight increase from Cooper’s seven-point lead in the previous report last month. The poll has a credibility interval of ±3.5 percentage points, which is similar to a traditional margin of error.
Cooper’s lead is driven by a 14-point advantage among independent voters and a net-positive favorability rating (52% favorable to 39% unfavorable) compared with Whatley’s net-negative ratings (34% favorable, 44% unfavorable). Forty-seven percent of voters name the economy and cost of living as their top issue, and among these voters Cooper leads Whatley by a two-to-one margin, 67% to 33%.
The findings suggest that economic concerns are paramount for North Carolina voters and that Cooper’s message on these issues is resonating more strongly than Whatley’s. With Election Day approaching, the nine-point gap indicates a potentially significant advantage for Cooper, which could have implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The poll also highlights the importance of independent voters, who make up a crucial swing bloc and are currently breaking heavily toward Cooper.
The Center for Survey Research at East Carolina University conducts nonpartisan public opinion polling on elections, politics, and public policy issues in North Carolina and across the nation. For a full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here. The ECU Center for Survey Research is the source of this data, and the poll was distributed by Reportable, Inc.
This poll is one of the last before voters head to the polls, and its results could influence campaign strategies in the final days. Both candidates are likely to focus on turning out their bases and persuading the remaining undecided voters. The economy remains the top issue for nearly half of the electorate, and Cooper’s strong performance among these voters could be decisive. Whatley, meanwhile, faces challenges with his net-negative favorability ratings, which may hinder his ability to close the gap. As the race enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on whether these numbers hold or shift in the closing days.
