CHAEWON CHUNG Winston-Salem Journal

One of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races of 2026 is already underway in North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper and chair of the Republican National Committee Michael Whatley have launched campaigns for the seat vacated by Thom Tillis.

From an environmental standpoint, the two candidates bring different backgrounds and affiliations to the race. Cooper has a clear public record on climate policy, while Whatley remains what one expert described as an enigma on environmental issues — though his support for the Trump administration may offer some clues.

“As senator, he (Cooper) would shift the balance of power towards a more climate-friendly stance and no doubt seek action to avert further climate degradation,” said Scott Schang, interim exe

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