As North Carolina heads to the November 2026 election, the state’s high‑profile U.S. Senate race is being fought largely on the issue of affordability rather than climate change. Research from the University of Michigan indicates that a majority of Wake County residents remain concerned about global warming, but candidates are emphasizing cost‑of‑living messages to appeal to voters.

Local candidates prioritize cost over climate

Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper has shifted his Senate campaign focus from the climate‑action rhetoric he used as governor to a promise to “make stuff cost less.” Cooper told reporters after Hurricane Helene in 2024 that climate change was affecting weather patterns and storm intensity, but his current messaging centers on lowering energy bills and other household expenses.

Republican Senate hopeful Michael Whatley, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, is running on a “Make More, Keep More” economic platform. He criticized Cooper for wanting to raise taxes and increase regulations, framing his own plan as a way to protect families from rising costs.

Academic study suggests voters care about climate

Assistant professor Geoffrey Henderson of the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, together with researcher Nathaniel Geiger, examined how candidates are positioning themselves on energy and climate issues. They identified three approaches: “energy populists” who focus on lowering energy costs without foregrounding climate change, candidates who campaign directly on climate action and renewable energy, and those promoting an “all‑of‑the‑above” strategy that blends clean‑energy support with continued fossil‑fuel development.

Henderson said many politicians assume the public is deeply divided on climate, a perception he says is inaccurate. “There is a perception that the public is as polarized as elites are on the issue, and that perception is not true,” he told WRAL.

Wake County data shows strong climate concern

Yale Climate Opinion Maps, which model survey data, estimate that in Wake County:

• 70% of adults are worried about global warming.
• 69% prefer candidates who support action to address global warming.
• 63% say a presidential candidate’s stance on global warming is important to their vote.

These figures are modeled estimates, not a direct poll of voters in the 2026 Senate race, but they illustrate that climate change remains a relevant issue for many residents.

Affordability and climate can intersect

Extreme weather events can raise insurance costs and strain the electric grid, while investments in renewable energy can affect utility rates. A national Yale survey found roughly two‑thirds of registered voters believe global warming contributes to higher utility bills, reflecting a perception that climate and cost issues are linked.

Henderson argues that messaging focused on cost savings can actually increase support for renewable energy across party lines. He warns that if climate change receives less attention during campaigns, elected officials may lack a clear mandate to prioritize climate policy once in office.

What the candidates say

Cooper emphasized his record of addressing climate impacts during his governorship, but reiterated that his current priority is reducing the financial burden on families. Whatley, meanwhile, framed his economic plan as a way to protect taxpayers from what he described as excessive regulation and tax hikes.

Both candidates acknowledge the importance of keeping energy affordable, yet their differing approaches illustrate a broader national trend: politicians are testing whether they can address climate concerns without alienating voters worried about rising costs.

Implications for voters

For North Carolinians, the research suggests that a candidate who can combine affordability with credible climate solutions may resonate across the political spectrum. As the election approaches, voters will need to consider whether the emphasis on immediate cost relief aligns with longer‑term environmental stewardship.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.