Roy Cooper Slams DC Tax Bill, Fuels Speculation About Potential 2026 Senate Run
RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is sharply criticizing a new federal tax bill passed in Washington, D.C., accusing lawmakers of prioritizing the wealthy while harming working-class Americans. His strongly worded remarks come amid rising speculation that he may be eyeing a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cooper denounced the legislation, writing:
“Every day people are struggling to make ends meet with higher prices for food, rent and other bills. The bill just passed in DC not only doesn’t help them, it actually hurts working families, seniors, children and veterans so those at the top can have big tax breaks. Shameful.”
His post gained traction quickly online, earning thousands of interactions and fueling political chatter about his future ambitions.
Cooper’s Message Resonates With Economic Anxiety
The governor’s comments reflect growing frustration among many Americans over inflation and cost-of-living pressures, particularly in Southern states like North Carolina. Prices for groceries, housing, and utilities have surged in recent years, placing additional stress on fixed-income seniors and low-wage workers.
Cooper’s criticism paints the new federal tax bill as an example of top-down policymaking that, in his view, sacrifices everyday people for the benefit of corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
While specific details of the tax bill were not mentioned in the post, its core provisions are reportedly aligned with a broader Republican effort to extend or reinstate portions of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which lowered the corporate tax rate and provided steep breaks for high-income earners.
Senate Run Chatter Grows Louder
Though Cooper has not officially declared a Senate bid, political observers are increasingly pointing to signs that the two-term Democrat could enter the race to replace retiring Senator Thom Tillis in 2026. Tillis, a Republican, has not publicly announced whether he will seek re-election, but rumors of an open seat are fueling speculation across both parties.
Some political activists are already promoting Cooper’s potential candidacy, calling him the “next U.S. Senator from the Great State of North Carolina” in viral social media posts that feature his recent comments on the tax bill.
As one user put it:
“The next United States Senator from the Great State of North Carolina — @RoyCooperNC.”
A Familiar Face in NC Politics
Roy Cooper, who has served as governor since 2017 and previously as the state’s attorney general, is no stranger to North Carolina voters. Known for his measured tone and ability to navigate a Republican-dominated legislature, Cooper has repeatedly clashed with GOP lawmakers over issues ranging from Medicaid expansion to voting rights.
He has also made headlines for vetoing bills that critics say stoke culture wars — most recently rejecting legislation that sought to legally define sex as only male or female in state law.
North Carolina’s 2026 Senate Race Taking Shape
With the 2026 midterm elections still more than a year away, the field of contenders remains fluid. However, Democrats are increasingly looking to Cooper as a strong statewide figure who could flip a key Senate seat in a politically divided state.
Polling data has shown Cooper consistently outperforming national Democrats in North Carolina, particularly among suburban moderates and independent voters.
If he enters the race, Cooper would likely face a tough Republican challenger backed by national funding, but his long tenure in state politics and high name recognition would give him a significant head start.
Do you believe Roy Cooper should run for Senate in 2026? Share your thoughts on the future of North Carolina politics at saludastandard-sentinel.com, where your voice shapes the state’s evolving story.
, the budget includes significant reductions in funding for **Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies**, which provide coverage to low-income Americans, including many residents in the Carolinas. Additionally, the budget would **tighten eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)**, making it harder for many families to receive food support. Changes would also affect housing assistance, energy bill relief programs, and school lunch subsidies. Democrats say these changes aren’t just technical — they’re personal. > “This budget is not about fiscal responsibility. It’s about punishing the poor while protecting tax breaks for the rich,” said **Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)** during a recent press conference. --- ### **“Big, Beautiful Betrayal” Becomes Rallying Cry** The phrase “big, beautiful betrayal” was coined by **Rep. Hakeem Jeffries**, the House Democratic leader, in response to what he calls Trump’s double standard. > “He promised to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Now he’s cutting them,” Jeffries told reporters, adding that the budget bill contradicts the economic populism Trump campaigned on. The proposal is currently facing stiff resistance in the **Democrat-led Senate**, though some moderate Republicans have voiced support for trimming entitlement spending. --- ### **Local Impact Across North Carolina** If enacted, the cuts could hit **North Carolina particularly hard**, where nearly **1 in 5 residents** relies on Medicaid and where food insecurity remains a serious concern, especially in rural and urban working-class communities. Local nonprofit leaders warn that the legislation could result in longer wait times for basic services, reduced food pantry availability, and more families losing access to care. > “Programs like SNAP and Medicaid are the only reason some of our families make it through the month,” said **Tina Alston**, director of a Charlotte-based community aid group. “This budget would reverse decades of safety net progress.” --- ### **Budget Still Faces Uphill Battle in Congress** While Republicans argue the budget is necessary to **reduce the federal deficit**, Democrats insist that slashing social programs is not the solution. As the bill advances through committee, lawmakers on both sides are bracing for a **contentious summer debate** ahead of the November midterm elections. > “We can have fiscal responsibility without cruelty,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA). “This budget fails that test.” --- ### **Reader CTA** Are you worried about how Trump’s proposed budget might impact your family, your healthcare, or food benefits? Share your perspective in the comments — your story could help shape future coverage on **saludastandard-sentinel.com**. **Author: Elena Brooks** **Category: North Carolina News** --- Let me know if you'd like a NewsBreak-optimized excerpt or feature image suggestion.](https://saludastandard-sentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Democrats-Slam-Trumps-Budget-Bill-as-‘Betrayal-That-Targets-Healthcare-SNAP-Benefits-768x432.jpg)
