Whatley Campaign Responds to Traffic Case Report, Targets Cooper on Public Safety

The campaign for Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley sharply criticized recent reporting on his past traffic cases, arguing it is an attempt to shift attention away from Democratic opponent Roy Cooper and his record on public safety.

Legislative leaders have launched a probe into Cooper-era early prisoner releases when he was governor. The new General Assembly subcommittee’s task will be to investigate the decision-making process around early prisoner releases during the COVID era, including the parole conditions.

“It’s not a shock that Roy Cooper would rather talk about his opponent’s speeding tickets instead of talking about the murderers, rapists, and pedophiles Cooper gave a get-out-of-jail-free card to,” campaign spokesman DJ Griffin told WCAB News. “While the mainstream media refuses to hold Cooper accountable, the families of victims will.”

Griffin said Whatley “is committed to keeping North Carolina families safe by supporting law enforcement and law-and-order judges,” drawing a direct contrast with Cooper.

The response follows an April 25 report outlining more than a dozen traffic-related cases involving Whatley over several decades, including multiple failures to appear in court.

The Whatley campaign did not dispute the underlying records in its statement to WCAB News, instead saying the coverage was politically timed as the race tightens.

Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair and ally of President Donald Trump, has centered his campaign on crime and support for law enforcement. Cooper, who served two terms as governor, has defended pandemic-era decisions that led to the release of some incarcerated individuals under court agreements and public health guidance, including actions by then-first Lady Kristin Cooper.

The clash highlights a defining line in the race: competing claims over accountability, as both campaigns work to shape voter perceptions ahead of November.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced in June 2025 that he would not seek a third term in 2026 and later confirmed he does not plan to run for public office again, citing a desire to avoid political theater and spend more time with family. His decision followed his opposition to the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) backed by Trump and passed by Congress. It is a major tax and spending package with broad implications for economic policy and federal investment, which fueled speculation about a potential primary challenge. Tillis said he preferred to complete his remaining term without the demands of fundraising or campaigning.

His retirement sets up a competitive Senate race in North Carolina, with Cooper and Whatley emerging as key contenders. The race is expected to center heavily on economic priorities, including the future of large-scale federal tax and spending measures like OBBBA  as candidates seek to define their approaches to growth, investment, and fiscal policy in a closely watched battleground state.