President Trump is staging a late rally in Gastonia with Republican nominee Michael Whatley as the GOP fights to defend an open North Carolina Senate seat. Recent polls show Whatley trailing Roy Cooper by about 7.8 points, and Cooper leads strongly among voters most worried about the economy. Both parties have poured resources into the final stretch, reserving over $100 million in ads, with Trump emphasizing law-and-order themes to boost Whatley and shift attention from economic concerns.
Trump Rallies in North Carolina to Salvage GOP Hopes as Whatley Trails Cooper
The interior of the American Airlines Center is seen on the first day of the2026 Republican National Conventionon Sept. 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Republicans are kicking off two days of political pageantry aimed at blunting Democrats' momentum in the battle for control of Congress, holding their first-ever midterm election convention ‒ headlined tonight byPresident Donald Trump‒ in a bid to boost GOP enthusiasm amid warning signs for the party. Trump is rallying Republicans for the final push toward the Nov. 3 election with a big show in the Lone Star State featuring a long list of party leaders and candidates in swing districts.The president's approval rating has sagged as the Iran war drags on and cost-of-living concerns remain top of mind for many voters, threatening to weigh down GOP candidates. Trump has turned to the mini-convention toprovide a boostas the party struggles to sell his second-term agenda.(Brandon Bell, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump is mounting a late push in North Carolina, headlining a Sept. 16 rally in Gastonia with Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley as the GOP fights to defend an open Senate seat. Recent polling shows Whatley trailing Democrat Roy Cooper by a significant margin, leaving Republicans scrambling to change the race's dynamics before the Nov. 3 election.
Why North Carolina Matters
North Carolina is one of several states that could determine control of the Senate. Democrats have targeted the open seat after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis opted not to seek reelection following clashes with Trump. Roy Cooper, the former governor, is a well-known statewide figure with a record of winning major offices, while Whatley — a former RNC chair and Trump pick — remains less familiar to many voters.
Polling, Party Strategy and Voter Concerns
RealClearPolitics' average of recent surveys shows Whatley trailing Cooper by about 7.8 percentage points. Polls and analysts say national issues are bleeding into the state race: a sagging presidential approval rating amid the Iran war and ongoing cost-of-living concerns are weighing on Republican prospects.
'The perceptions of the economy are reflecting on President Trump, and that in turn is dragging down Whatley,' said Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll, calling the contest a 'really tough race' for the GOP.
Elon University polling finds that 10% of North Carolina voters who backed Trump in 2024 now support Cooper, and Cooper is viewed favorably by about 53% of likely voters in that survey. A separate East Carolina University poll reports 43% of voters name the economy and cost of living as the most important issue; Cooper leads that group by roughly 33 percentage points.
Campaign Tactics and Controversies
Whatley has focused much of his argument on crime and public safety, a theme Trump is expected to emphasize at the Gastonia rally. The White House said the visit will underscore the administration's law-and-order message.
Both parties are investing heavily in the race. An AdImpact analysis shows Republican ad spending slightly outpacing Democrats, and more than $100 million in additional ad reservations have been reported for the closing weeks. Outside groups and campaigns have traded hard-hitting ads: Republicans highlight the early release of 3,500 inmates from North Carolina prisons in 2021 as evidence Cooper was soft on crime, while Democratic ads tie Whatley to a convicted sex offender who held a past leadership position in the state GOP and criticize Whatley's background as a lobbyist.
Outlook
With the race showing little movement in polls, Trump's appearance aims to boost Whatley's name recognition and voter enthusiasm while shifting attention from economic issues where Cooper currently holds an advantage. The next several weeks, heavy ad spending, and ground operations will be critical to whether the GOP can narrow the gap in this key battleground.
Signage is seen on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. President Donald Trump will headline the Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention as he aims to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for GOP candidates just two months before the upcoming elections being held on November 3.(Brandon Bell, Getty Images)
Inside the American Airlines Center, as the final preparations are underway for the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 8, 2026.(Brian Snyder, REUTERS)
A person rides a motorcycle past signage that reads "GOP EXPRESS" as the final preparations are underway for the Republican National Midterm Convention, in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 8, 2026.(Callaghan O'Hare, REUTERS)
People gather at the American Airlines Center, as preparations are underway for the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 8, 2026.(Brian Snyder, REUTERS)
Floor staff place American flags in seats on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.(Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
Floor staff organize signs on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.(Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
Vendors make preperations on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. President Donald Trump will headline the Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention as he aims to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for GOP candidates just two months before the upcoming elections being held on November 3.(Brandon Bell, Getty Images)
Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, left, is running for the U.S. Senate against former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in the November 2026 elections.
President Donald Trump stands behind NC candidate for Senate Michael Whatley as he talks on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper speaks on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 22, 2024.
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