North Carolina’s Roy Cooper faces criticism over past support of DEI amid launch of Senate campaign

Hold onto your hats, folks — former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) is under fire from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) for his staunch defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies,  Breitbart reports.

As Cooper eyes a run for an open Senate seat in North Carolina, the NRSC is slamming him for opposing efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives and for staying mum on what they call extreme, anti-Israel elements within his party.

Let’s rewind a bit to Cooper’s time as governor, when he stood firm against attempts to strip DEI from state operations. In 2023, he vetoed a bill that would have banned state agencies, including prisons and public universities, from requiring employees to engage in discussions or actions tied to current political or social debates. Talk about drawing a line in the sand — though, spoiler alert, the North Carolina Senate later overrode that veto.

Cooper’s veto, family connections in spotlight

While Cooper was busy championing DEI in the public sphere, his daughter, Hillary Cooper, was making waves in the private sector, pushing similar initiatives alongside environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. The NRSC didn’t miss a beat, pointing out this family tie with a jab: “Meanwhile, King Cooper’s daughter had a lucrative job,” focused on these progressive priorities.

Now, I’m all for family supporting family, but when public policy and private profit seem to align so neatly, it does raise an eyebrow or two. The NRSC seems to think this overlap is more than just a coincidence, and they’re not shy about saying so.

Fast forward to today, and the NRSC is doubling down as Cooper is expected to announce his Senate bid before the month’s end. They’ve accused him of refusing to call out what they describe as radical, anti-Israel voices in the Democratic Party. NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia didn’t hold back, stating, “Cooper’s silence exposes his true character” as someone out of touch with many North Carolinians’ values.

NRSC sharpens its critique

Let’s unpack that quote for a moment — claiming someone’s silence on an issue defines their entire character is a bold swing, even for political rhetoric. While criticism of policy is fair game, painting Cooper as a fringe extremist might be a stretch for some voters who remember his tenure as more moderate. Still, the NRSC is banking on this narrative to sway opinions ahead of a heated Senate race.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans are rallying behind their pick for the same Senate seat: RNC Chair Michael Whatley. President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Whatley with a glowing endorsement on Thursday, praising his leadership at the RNC. Trump even suggested Joe Gruters as a potential successor to Whatley at the RNC if he pursues the Senate run.

Trump’s endorsement didn’t skimp on the superlatives, calling Whatley “fantastic at everything” and crediting him with major electoral wins. He also highlighted Whatley’s work in flood-damaged areas of North Carolina, claiming, “I took over the flood-drenched areas” and fixed them with Whatley’s help. It’s a powerful image, though some might wonder if the credit is spread a tad thick.

Trump’s endorsement fuels Senate race

Speaking of credit, Trump’s support isn’t just a pat on the back — it’s a political bazooka aimed at boosting Whatley’s profile. He emphasized Whatley’s commitment to border security, crime prevention, military and veterans’ support, tax reductions, and defending gun rights, painting him as the ideal conservative candidate.

Trump’s message to North Carolinians was clear: “I need him in Washington” representing the state. It’s a call to action that’s hard to ignore, especially with Trump’s influence still looming large over the Republican base.

Meanwhile, Lara Trump, former RNC co-chair and Trump’s daughter-in-law, has stepped aside from consideration for the Senate seat, clearing the path for Whatley. That’s a notable move, showing party unity — or at least a strategic sidestep to avoid splitting support.

Whatley’s platform versus Cooper’s record

As this Senate race heats up, the contrast couldn’t be starker between Cooper’s record on progressive policies like DEI and Whatley’s Trump-backed, hardline conservative stances. Voters will have to weigh whether they want a continuation of policies they might see as overly focused on social agendas or a shift toward traditional priorities like security and economic relief.

One thing’s for sure — this battle for North Carolina’s Senate seat is shaping up to be a heavyweight bout, with both sides digging in for a fight. The NRSC’s critique of Cooper might resonate with those frustrated by what they see as a woke overreach in government. But will it be enough to overshadow his years of service as governor?

Only time will tell, but if there’s a lesson here, it’s that past decisions have a way of catching up in politics. North Carolinians, get ready to make your voices heard — because this race is about more than just a seat; it’s about the direction of your state.