Roy Cooper brings ‘Make Stuff Cost Less’ tour to Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC — Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper brought his US Senate campaign to Wilmington on Thursday, focusing on affordability and drawing contrasts between himself and Republican opponent Michael Whatley.

Cooper spoke to supporters at Savard Beer and Board in downtown Wilmington as part of his statewide “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour.

The Democratic candidate focused much of his speech on the cost of groceries, health care, child care, utilities and housing. He also criticized the Trump administration’s tariffs, arguing they are raising costs for families and small businesses.

Cooper pointed to proposals from his campaign aimed at lowering everyday expenses. They include expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, limiting large corporate purchases of single-family homes and strengthening antitrust enforcement to block grocery industry mergers that his campaign says reduce competition and increase prices.

During his remarks, Cooper also criticized Whatley’s ties to the energy industry and accused his Republican opponent of failing to speak out against proposed utility rate increases.

In an interview with WWAY, Cooper said his experience as a Democratic governor working with a Republican-controlled General Assembly showed he could work across party lines in Washington.

“I believe that I can bring consensus building,” Cooper said. “I was a Democratic governor with a Republican legislature for eight years, and it’s going to be critical to have someone who will reach across the aisle.”

Cooper said that willingness to work across party lines would extend to President Donald Trump, while adding that he would oppose the president when they disagree.

“Look, I’ll work with this president when I can, but I’m going to stand up to him when I need to,” Cooper said.

Cooper also directly contrasted himself with Whatley, telling WWAY he would serve as an independent voice in the Senate.

“People have a choice between me and Michael Whatley,” Cooper said. “It’s pretty clear that Michael Whatley is going to do and say whatever this president tells him to do and say, regardless of whether it’s good for the people of North Carolina or this country. And I’m going to be a strong, independent senator.”

Whatley responded to Cooper’s Wilmington appearance by criticizing Cooper’s record as governor.

“Governor Cooper vetoed tax relief for working families, drove up healthcare costs to the highest in the nation, and saddled family budgets with 30% increases in energy costs,” Whatley said in a statement. “If Candidate Cooper wants to ‘make stuff cost less,’ he oughta look in the mirror and have a prayer meeting with Governor Cooper.”

Cooper and Whatley will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.