Strategists say Cooper’s entry makes North Carolina a more difficult seat for the GOP to hold, though a Democrat hasn’t won a Senate race in the traditionally competitive state since 2008.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley tossed his hat into the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. President Donald Trump already has thrown his support behind Whatley, endorsing his longtime supporter shortly after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced last week that she would not be running for the seat.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley kicked off his campaign against former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.