“I’m not sitting down,” Former NC Gov. Cooper hints at run for US in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Former Governor Roy Cooper hinted at another run for office during a speech to North Carolina Democrats in Raleigh Saturday night, but stopped short of announcing his candidacy for US Senate.

It’s widely expected he will run for the seat currently held by retiring Senator Thom Tillis.

During his remarks at the NC Democrats’ Unity Dinner, Cooper talked about policy accomplishments, including Medicaid expansion and teacher pay raises. He also argued that more needs to be done to address wealth disparities. While he didn’t announce his run, he made clear he’s not done with public service. In the middle of his speech, he called on fellow democrats who were running for office to stand up.

“Everybody who’s planning to run for office next year…Stand up, guys…let’s give them a big hand…hey, I’m not sitting down, am I?”

That line received the biggest round of applause of the evening.

And while Cooper wouldn’t get into specifics, many in the room treated the campaign as already underway, including the keynote speaker, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential presidential candidate in 2028.

“Roy, I know I speak for Democratic Governors across the country when I say we can’t wait to support you in the next stage of your career, delivering for the people of North Carolina,” said Pritzker.

Cooper’s advisors tell Queen City News he will announce his plans in the coming days.