Jewish Voter Guide
Roy Cooper
U.S. Senate · NC · Democrat
Summary
Roy Cooper is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in North Carolina and will face Republican nominee Michael Whatley.
Roy Cooper is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. As governor, he recognized Israel's 75th anniversary and the longstanding partnership between Israel, North Carolina, and the United States. Following Hamas's October 7 attack, Cooper condemned the assault as terrorism, expressed solidarity with Israel, supported Israel's right to defend itself, and called for the release of the hostages. He has also urged an end to the death and destruction in Gaza.
Cooper signed the bipartisan SHALOM Act, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism in North Carolina law. He has condemned rising antisemitism, supported efforts to protect houses of worship and other religious spaces, and met with Jewish clergy and public-safety officials to discuss threats facing Jewish communities.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
In 2023, Cooper issued a proclamation recognizing the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel. The proclamation celebrated the relationship between North Carolina and Israel and recognized Israel's democratic values and longstanding partnership with the United States.
Following Hamas's October 7 attack, Cooper said that he stood with Israel and later reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself.
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
Following Hamas's October 7 attack, Cooper expressed strong support and solidarity with the Israeli people. He described Hamas's targeting of innocent civilians as horrific and unspeakable terrorism that had to be stopped.
Cooper ordered U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the attack.
Source
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
On the first anniversary of the October 7 attack, Cooper remembered those killed by Hamas and called for the release of the remaining hostages and an end to the violence in Gaza. On the second anniversary, Cooper again called for the hostages' release and for an end to the death and destruction in Gaza.
Fighting Antisemitism
In July 2024, Cooper signed the bipartisan SHALOM Act into law, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism for use in North Carolina. He said that defining antisemitism was important to stopping it as antisemitic incidents increased.
In his 2024 Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation, Cooper recognized the rise in antisemitism and said that North Carolina had worked with Jewish communities and law enforcement to combat antisemitism.
Protecting Jewish Institutions and Communities
In his 2024 Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation, Cooper said that North Carolina had worked closely with Jewish communities and law enforcement to protect houses of worship and other religious spaces so that people could worship freely and without fear.
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Standing Against Political Extremism
Cooper has stated that rising antisemitism requires Americans to stand against hate and extremism. He said that he had fought antisemitism throughout his career and would continue working to keep North Carolinians safe if elected to the U.S. Senate.
Engagement with the Jewish Community
In December 2022, Cooper hosted a Hanukkah menorah lighting at the North Carolina Executive Mansion to celebrate and show support for the state's Jewish community. Before the ceremony, Cooper met with the North Carolina Jewish Clergy Association and public-safety officials to discuss rising antisemitism, violence against Jewish people, and efforts to protect Jewish institutions.
Source
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.