Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley told Newsmax on Monday that his Democrat opponent, former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, must answer questions about a reported energy deal involving his family, calling it an issue voters deserve clarity on ahead of the midterm elections.
"There's a lot to unpack in this story," Whatley told "Bianca Across the Nation."
"The fact is that Roy Cooper and his family have owned land that has been leased to a solar farm. He has consistently pushed for solar policies throughout his tenure as governor," Whatley continued. "He has raised electricity rates throughout his term as governor.
"It is certainly a conversation that he needs to explain to the voters of North Carolina."
The comments follow a report cited by Republicans alleging Cooper benefited from a deal involving solar energy development tied to land owned by his family while he was governor. Cooper has not publicly addressed the allegations.
North Carolina's U.S. Senate race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, with Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chair, facing Cooper in a contest to replace retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
The race has drawn heavy national attention and is forecast to be a key battleground in determining Senate control.
Regarding the redistricting battles unfolding nationwide, including in North Carolina, Whatley said the midterms will hinge less on district maps and more on voter concerns about policy direction.
"When we talk about the numbers of the districts across the country and how we're having redistricting, it's an important conversation," he said. "But what really is going to matter in this election — just like it did in 2024 — is the conversation about crazy versus common sense."
He added that economic issues will dominate close races.
"Ultimately, that's what's going to matter in these really tight races is who's going to be fighting for lower taxes, who's going to be fighting for more jobs and more take-home pay, who's going to be fighting for affordability in North Carolina," Whatley said.
"My opponent, Roy Cooper, is doubling down on that same agenda right now," he said, adding that voters will face "an easy decision" between competing visions.
The November election is expected to draw significant spending and national attention as both parties vie for a crucial Senate seat in a state President Donald Trump won in 2024 by 3.2 percentage points.
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