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

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- With the midterm elections now 95 days away, a new Fox News poll suggests Democrat Roy Cooper holds an early advantage in North Carolina's closely watched U.S. Senate race.

The poll found former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley 53% to 44% among registered voters. Whatley is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. The two are competing for the open Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.

According to Fox News, voter enthusiasm appears to be helping Cooper build his lead. Among voters who say they are "extremely interested" in the election, Cooper's advantage grows to 57% compared with 42% for Whatley. Among voters who describe themselves as "extremely motivated" to vote, Cooper leads 55% to 42%.

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The poll also found more Democrats than Republicans saying they are extremely interested in the election and highly motivated to cast a ballot.

North Carolina's Senate race is expected to be among the most expensive and competitive contests in the country. The election comes as both parties battle for control of Congress and as lawmakers in Washington prepare to vote next week on a short-term government funding measure.

Recent government shutdowns have put increased attention on federal spending and the economy, which remains a top issue for voters.

Fox News reported that inflation was the top issue cited by North Carolina voters when deciding how to vote in the Senate race. Healthcare, immigration and political divisions within the country also ranked among voters' concerns.

The Fox News poll was conducted July 23-27 among 1,005 registered North Carolina voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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