The two candidates vying for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat made dueling campaign stops in Concord on Sunday, Nov. 1, two days before Union County voters head to the polls.

Democrat Roy Cooper held a canvas lunch in Concord, where he repeated his central campaign promise of "making stuff cost less," WSOC-TV reported. Republican Michael Whatley spoke at a Turning Point USA rally in Concord that same afternoon, WSOC-TV reported separately.

The race is for the seat held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who decided not to seek reelection, according to WFAE. WBTV reported the open seat could decide control of the U.S. Senate. Both national parties have focused attention on North Carolina.

Union County is part of the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Waxhaw, Weddington, Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities will vote in the Senate contest along with local races, including a Union County Board of Commissioners contest.

Where the candidates stand

Cooper, a former North Carolina governor and former state attorney general, has said the price of groceries, rent, utilities and health care are rising and that Washington is making it worse, according to WLOS. He served as attorney general from 2000 to 2016 and as governor from 2017 to 2025, according to WFAE.

Cooper has pledged to vote to roll back tariffs, which he called "chaotic and irrational," saying they raise costs for farmers and consumers, according to the Wilmington Star-News. He has also unveiled a plan to lower childcare costs, including investing in higher wages for childcare workers and expanding the Child Care and Dependent Tax Credit.

Whatley, who chaired the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024, said he wants to advocate for tax and regulatory policies that benefit North Carolina businesses, according to WSOC-TV. He has said he supports tax cuts for the middle class and no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security.

His campaign website states he is committed to advancing President Donald Trump's America First agenda. Trump has endorsed Whatley's Senate bid.

Whatley has no prior elected office experience, according to WFAE. He has a bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte and holds advanced degrees from Wake Forest and Notre Dame. He lives in Gastonia.

What's next

WSOC-TV reported Whatley planned to visit Gaston County before polls close Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can find their assigned polling place through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.