Former North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has carved out a clear lead over Republican rival Michael Whatley in the race to represent the Old North State in the Senate, according to a recent survey.

Cooper took 50% support among likely voters in the latest Carolina Forward survey, compared to 43% who backed Whatley and 7% who were unsure. Cooper's 7-point lead puts him safely outside the survey's 3.5% margin of error.

The seat is open due to the retirement of Sen. Thom Tillis, R-S.C., who has repeatedly clashed with President Donald Trump. Tillis opted against seeking reelection while Whatley cruised to the primary nomination with Trump's support.

The race is expected to be a toss up, but recent surveys have shown Cooper pulling ahead. North Carolina last elected a Democrat to the Senate in 2008, when it sent Sen. Kay Hagan, R-N.C., to the upper chamber for a single term. She lost reelection to Tillis.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.