North Carolina Senate Race: Economic Claims in the Spotlight
In the ongoing U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, Republican candidate Michael Whatley’s recent statements on the economy have sparked debate, especially concerning inflation and economic growth.
During an interview with Fox News on February 24, Whatley compared the economic achievements of President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden. He asserted, “Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the private sector are being created. Real wages are up year over year, inflation is way down, and GDP is growing. Our economy is starting to move again, and that’s a very important indicator for us.”
Contrary to Whatley’s claims, current economic indicators paint a different picture. Although the inflation rate has slightly decreased since Trump took office again, prices have continued on an upward trajectory. Recent data reveals a 2.4% rise in prices compared to the previous year, according to Forbes.
Furthermore, the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) has slowed, dropping from a 2.8% increase in 2024 to just 2.2% in 2025. Economists caution that a decelerating GDP could hint at an economic slowdown and a possible contraction in the job market.
In light of rising costs, public opinion has been largely pessimistic. A Quinnipiac poll conducted in December 2025 revealed that 65% of participants held a negative view of the economy, with almost half fearing further deterioration.
Whatley has faced criticism before for his characterizations of the Trump economy. Last month, during appearances on the Hugh Hewitt Show and the Fox News Rundown podcast, he made similar claims, stating that “costs are coming down” and “inflation is dramatically down.”
His opponent, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who is the Democratic candidate, has highlighted affordability issues in his campaign. During a February 26 discussion in Greensboro, Cooper said, “I worked with the Republican General Assembly to help create 640,000 new, better-paying jobs in our state. I worked with them to help provide paid parental leave for state employees. I think it’s critical for a U.S. senator to put the people before politics.”
The Cook Political Report describes the North Carolina Senate race as highly competitive, labeling it a “toss-up.” As both candidates navigate economic concerns, voter perceptions of the economy could play a pivotal role in the election outcome.
