Roy Cooper, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, has stated that the Democratic Party should embrace a broad range of political views, including those associated with socialist candidates. Cooper, who is challenging Republican nominee Michael Whatley for the seat held by retiring Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., indicated he would not sign a pledge that repudiates socialist stances.
In video footage obtained by Fox News Digital, Cooper expressed his belief that the party needs a "wide spectrum," particularly as the Republican Party faces internal divisions. "I think we need to have all kinds of folks to be a part of our party," Cooper said. He also argued for unity within the party, stating, "Particularly now when we’re in such difficult straits and we’re in a foxhole right now. We’ve all got to be together to take our government back." He warned against division, saying, "We could fall to the autocracy, anytime we don’t stick together. So, I don’t see the need signing something."
Cooper's campaign has emphasized his record of working across the aisle during his tenure as governor of North Carolina from 2017 to 2025, highlighting his ability to collaborate with a Republican-controlled legislature. The campaign stated, "The only pledge Roy makes is to the people of North Carolina. Roy is not a socialist and he will work with anyone, including Republicans, as he has done his entire career to lower costs for hardworking families and fight for North Carolina."
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), according to their website, advocate for policies such as abolishing the U.S. Senate, establishing public ownership of corporations, and disbanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their platform envisions a society where essential services like housing, food, education, energy, medicine, and transportation are not profit-driven but are common goods.
Cooper himself is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DSA. He has positioned himself as a candidate capable of bipartisan cooperation. When asked by The New York Times if he was a Communist, Cooper responded, "For the record, no." He added, "I have a record of working across the aisle. The people of North Carolina know that I can be a senator that puts them first. Before power, before party, before politics."
Some Republicans have expressed skepticism about Cooper's approach. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, suggested that moderate Democrats are hesitant to confront the progressive wing of their party amid the rise of far-left candidates in primaries. He commented on the dynamic, noting that "Finding a middle ground on ideological issues right now is … the prospects for success, particularly between now and election day, are not high."
Cooper secured the Democratic nomination and is set to face Republican nominee Michael Whatley in the November 3 general election. The race is contested in a state historically leaning Republican.