Poll gives Cooper large lead over McCrory

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A new poll from Monmouth University shows Democrat Roy Cooper with a large lead over Governor Pat McCrory with months to go before the November election.

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Cooper has 52 percent to McCrory's 43 percent among likely voters with a margin of error just under five percent.

North Carolina's controversial HB2 law seems to be a significant issue in the race.

HB2 was designed to block a Charlotte non-discrimination ordinance, part of which allowed transgender people to use bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender they identify with. The state law requires people to use the restroom according to their biological sex listed on their birth certificate in government buildings, schools, and universities.

Monmouth said a 55 percent of voters disapprove of HB2 compared to 36 percent who approve. Among voters who approve of the law, 74 percent are backing McCrory. Among those who disapprove of it, 72 percent are voting for Cooper.

In the president race, Hillary Clinton holds a narrow 2 percent lead over Donald Trump in North Carolina - well within the margin of error - making it almost a dead heat.