Cooper more popular than Whatley as NC voters retreat from GOP, new poll shows

A recent Elon University poll indicates a softening of support for congressional and legislative Republicans among North Carolina voters ahead of the midterm elections. The findings show that 35% of North Carolinians desire Republican control of Congress, a decrease from 40% six months prior. In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Roy Cooper holds a significant lead over Republican Michael Whatley in terms of name recognition and popularity, largely due to Cooper's extensive political history in the state. The poll also highlighted voter dissatisfaction with the Republican-led state legislature, even among some Republicans. This sentiment is partly driven by an ongoing budget impasse, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of state employees not receiving promised raises and jeopardizing Medicaid for three million residents. Additionally, the poll gauged public opinion on several policy matters, including data centers. It found a clear partisan divide, with Democrats and independents largely opposing data center construction due to environmental concerns, specifically regarding pollution, water supply, and energy grid strain. In contrast, Republicans generally show more willingness to approve these developments. The debate over data centers has been active across various rural and suburban areas of North Carolina, with some localities welcoming the tax base boost and others rejecting proposals due to residents' concerns. Other policy topics covered included broad opposition to a legislative priority allowing concealed firearms without permits and voter opinions on federal health care cuts and election control.