Elizabeth Warren headlines NC Democrats' sold-out Unity Dinner in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Democrats gathered in Raleigh on Saturday for the party's annual Unity Dinner, an event party leaders describe as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to energize voters ahead of November's midterm elections.

The sold-out event at the Raleigh Convention Center featured U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts as the keynote speaker.

A small group of protesters gathered outside the Raleigh Convention Center ahead of the event, voicing opposition to former Gov. Roy Cooper and Democratic candidates.

The dinner comes as North Carolina is expected to draw national political attention in several high-profile races, including the contest for the state's open U.S. Senate seat. Former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is set to face former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in one of the country's closely watched Senate races.

MORE: New Fox News poll shows Cooper with early lead in North Carolina Senate race

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton said concerns about the cost of living remain a top issue for voters across the state.

"I think that all you're going to hear from North Carolina Democrats is talking about making sure that we're lowering costs for people across the state," Clayton said. "It's the number one thing that I hear on the doors when I'm out knocking in places like Halifax County, where we were this last weekend."

Republicans also weighed in on the event. In a statement, the North Carolina Republican Party criticized Democrats and Warren's appearance at the dinner.

"The North Carolina Democrat Party has fully embraced the move to the radical left's socialist agenda, and tonight have brought in Elizabeth Warren to support Roy Cooper, Anita Earls and their extremist nominees in Raleigh," the statement said in part. "North Carolinians will reject their radical agenda once again this fall and elect common-sense Republicans up and down the ballot."

Another closely watched race this fall is the election for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Incumbent Justice Anita Earls is facing Republican challenger Sarah Stevens.

Party leaders say events like the Unity Dinner help build momentum as candidates and organizations enter the final months before Election Day.