Roy Cooper’s Senate Campaign Faces Scrutiny for Security Spending

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign has been under scrutiny for spending over $250,000 on private security. Federal records reveal a total of $277,312.28 spent on security for the 2026 election cycle. This expenditure has given Republicans a new angle to criticize Cooper, a Democratic Senate candidate, whom they accuse of supporting policies that make North Carolinians feel unsafe.

The Federal Election Commission records show that the campaign’s security funds went to two companies: Foresight Solutions and Frontpoint. Foresight Solutions provides services such as security assessments, workplace safety training, and conflict resolution. Frontpoint offers home-security systems to protect homes and families.

Republicans have criticized Cooper’s approach to policing and criminal justice during his governorship. They have connected his policies to incidents such as the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, arguing that his approach, including support for changes to cash bail, exhibits a lenient stance on crime.

Republican strategist Mark Bednar stated, “The issue isn’t whether Roy Cooper keeps himself safe, but prioritizes his security while hiding his soft-on-crime record.”

Roy Cooper’s track record includes releasing inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Republicans argue these actions put local communities at risk. Bednar emphasized the perceived hypocrisy, saying, “Blatant hypocrisy like this is going to stick out to voters.”

However, a spokesperson from Cooper’s campaign responded by defending his public-safety record. They accused his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, of equally questionable actions. Cooper’s team cited his 16 years as attorney general of North Carolina, efforts to put violent criminals behind bars, and legislation supporting law enforcement as evidence of his commitment to public safety.

Whatley’s camp retaliated, accusing Cooper of releasing criminals during his tenure, which allegedly led to further offenses. DJ Griffin, Whatley’s spokesperson, remarked, “Roy Cooper has blood on his hands.” Whatley’s focus remains on Cooper’s alleged mismanagement of key challenges.