In North Carolina, the 2026 U.S. Senate race has taken a new turn as the Democratic candidate, Governor Roy Cooper, faces fresh scrutiny over a June 2020 phone call with Dr. Anthony Fauci. The conversation, first reported in August 2020, resurfaced after Fauci’s diary entries were released in July, giving Cooper’s campaign a new issue to address just weeks before ballots go out.
Background of the call
According to a WRAL-TV report, Cooper, his senior adviser Julia White, and then‑Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen spoke with Dr. Fauci for about 45 minutes on June 29, 2020. The discussion centered on whether to reopen charter schools slated to start on July 4. Fauci advised waiting two weeks to monitor case trends, a recommendation Cooper ultimately followed, with schools reopening on August 18.
Campaign reactions
Cooper’s campaign defended the decision, stating, “The pandemic was a challenging time and Governor Cooper worked with many federal and state public health experts to use the information available at the time to make the best decisions possible to keep people alive and safe.” The Republican campaign, led by Michael Whatley, a former North Carolina GOP chair and Trump‑appointed RNC chairman, seized on the revelation, calling Cooper a “Fauci fanboy” and blaming his pandemic policies for lasting learning loss.
Election context
The Senate seat, currently held by Republican Thom Tillis, is a key battleground for control of the chamber. Republicans hold 53 seats nationally, and North Carolina has been a reliable Republican stronghold in Senate races since 2008. A recent High Point University poll shows Cooper leading Whatley 50% to 45% among likely voters, his closest margin in months.
Impact on voters
Both campaigns are emphasizing parental concerns about school closures and learning loss. While Cooper’s team highlights the health rationale behind the delay, Whatley’s camp argues the decision harmed children’s education and urges voters to hold Cooper accountable at the November ballot.
Local significance
For North Carolinians, the debate touches on core issues of parental rights, educational outcomes, and the role of government in public health emergencies. As the primary election approaches, the conversation with Dr. Fauci is likely to remain a focal point in campaign ads, town halls, and voter outreach across the state.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
