U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley (R-NC) held a press conference to discuss law enforcement failures in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Mr. Whatley also criticized the track record of his Democratic opponent, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, on immigration policy and prison reform. Mr. Whatley previously served as the chair of the Republican National Committee from 2024-25. He would face Mr. Cooper in the November 3rd, 2026 general election, which the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated "Lean Democratic" and Inside Elections rated "Tilt Democratic."