Roy Cooper tries to turn tide on crime attacks with new ad targeting Michael Whatley

Published September 22, 2026 8:57am ET



Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is trying to deflect from Republicans’ crime attacks against him by releasing a new campaign advertisement that links his Senate opponent to a registered sex offender.

The 30-second spot accuses Michael Whatley of tapping Harvey Lee West to serve within the North Carolina Republican Party. West was required to register as a sex offender after he was released from state custody in 2006. He pleaded guilty to five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child in 2000, but he later maintained his innocence.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.