U.S. Senate campaigns fan out across North Carolina weekend events

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WWAY) — U.S. Senate candidates and their supporters made appearances across North Carolina over the weekend as the race for the state’s open Senate seat continues.

Republican candidate Michael Whatley attended the N.C. Blueberry Festival in Burgaw for the first time. The former Republican National Committee chairman used the visit to highlight the importance of agriculture and farming to North Carolina’s economy.

“We are going to fight for our farmers every single day. Agriculture is the number one product here in North Carolina. It is the number one sector in the economy. We’ve got to make sure we have tax policy, trade policy and regulatory policy that keeps our economy going,” Whatley said.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Roy Cooper attended the Carolina Hurricanes’ celebration Saturday in Raleigh. While Cooper remained in the state capital, a prominent supporter campaigned on his behalf in the Cape Fear region.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona visited Wilmington’s Azalea Station on Sunday for an event honoring military families and veterans.

During the event, Kelly endorsed Cooper in the race for U.S. Senate, saying a Cooper victory would help Democrats in their effort to regain control of the Senate. Kelly also said Cooper would serve as a check on President Donald Trump’s agenda if elected.