Democrats still in the dumps over last year’s elections have found cause for optimism in North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper jumped into the race for that state’s newly open seat with a vow to address voters’ persistent concerns about the

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has an early lead over Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in the North Carolina Senate race as the candidates appear poised for a general election match-up.

Democrats notched a big win with their recruitment of Roy Cooper for the open Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.