Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has kicked off his Senate campaign with a financial bang, raising a staggering $14.5 million in just over two months. This remarkable achievement not only smashes previous records but also positions Cooper as a formidable challenger in what is anticipated to be the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history.

According to details shared first with POLITICO, Cooper's campaign amassed $10.8 million directly, with an additional $3.7 million funnelled through joint fundraising efforts with his party. This financial strategy allows for larger individual contributions, broadening the campaign's funding base. Impressively, more than 90% of these contributions were $100 or less, showcasing a broad base of grassroots support.

This financial milestone more than doubles the amount raised by Cooper's main competitor, former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, who has collected $5.8 million since his campaign began in July. Notably, Whatley has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump, adding a high-profile element to his fundraising efforts.

Both Cooper and Whatley are gearing up for a direct confrontation in the fall of next year, turning North Carolina into a battleground that will likely attract national attention and significant financial resources. Political insiders estimate that total spending for this Senate race could soar between $650 million and $800 million.

Cooper's record-breaking fundraising quarter surpasses the previous record held by Amy McGrath, who raised $10.7 million in her 2020 challenge against Sen. Mitch McConnell. McGrath's campaign, despite its financial strength, highlighted the intense competition and high stakes involved in such high-profile Senate races.

The Democratic party views North Carolina as a critical opportunity to regain footing at the national level, especially following the retirement announcement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Although the odds are challenging, the Democrats are hopeful that Cooper's strong start and the state's evolving political landscape could lead to a significant upset in the 2026 elections.

With both campaigns in full swing and the financial stakes escalating, the upcoming months are poised to be a defining period in North Carolina's political history, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.