Elon pollster: Senate race likely to tighten despite Cooper’s 11-point lead
An Elon University poll reveals that public opposition to large data centers in North Carolina has sharply increased, with 53% of residents now opposing them in their communities. This opposition spans across political affiliations, as local governments in the state grapple with land use regulations and economic development questions concerning data centers.
The latest Elon University Poll indicates that former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper holds an 11-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina's U.S. Senate race. Cooper received 53% support among likely voters, while Whatley garnered 42%. However, Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll, suggested the race might tighten as Whatley's name recognition, which is currently lower than Cooper's, continues to improve.
The poll also measured approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Democratic Governor Josh Stein. Trump's approval stood at 36%, with 54% disapproval, remaining largely unchanged since March. Governor Stein's approval rating increased slightly to 46%, with 25% disapproval.
Significantly, the survey highlighted a sharp rise in public opposition to technology data centers across North Carolina. A majority of residents, 53%, expressed opposition to a large data center being built in their community, an increase from 44% in March. Only 20% supported such developments. This opposition was found to cross party lines, with 61% of independents, 55% of Democrats, and 41% of Republicans opposing data centers. Husser commented that this growing sentiment is emerging as local governments throughout North Carolina address land use regulations and economic development issues related to data center projects.