RALEIGH — The likely Republican nominee for North Carolina’s 2026 U.S. Senate race has dropped his first digital ad against his opponent, former Democratic Gov. “By contrast, Michael Whatley helped President Trump deliver relief for North Carolina,” the ad continues. The $175 million funding request had been included near the very end of Cooper’s Hurricane Helene relief proposal that was released during the month before the hearing. The ad used a clip of Trump jokingly asking Whatley if he “can handle it” when it comes to Hurricane Helene recovery. The North Carolina Senate race is expected to be the most expensive in state history, with some political strategists estimating spending to reach $1 billion.