Cooper makes it official

After months of speculation, former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper made it official Monday morning by announcing his run for U.S. Senate.

Why it matters: National Democrats had been recruiting Cooper for the Senate ever since he left the governor's office, as they believe he is the best shot to win outgoing Republican Sen. Thom Tillis' seat.

• At the same time, the Republicans are solidifying around the Republican National Committee chair and former head of the N.C. GOP Michael Whatley as their candidate, after President Trump encouraged him to run.

Between the lines: The race will likely attract record amounts of money as Democrats seek to switch control of the U.S. Senate in 2026.

• "It's always the most expensive race in U.S. history. It will be again," Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said at an Axios Live event last week.

Zoom in: There will be a local rippling effect of Cooper's announcement.

• Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel, who was also running for Senate, plans to drop out and endorse Cooper.
• He will now be focused on running for the Wake County District Attorney to replace Lorrin Freeman, who decided not to run for re-election, WRAL reported.