Cooper is the former Governor of North Carolina. As Governor, he vetoed a bill that would implement a 12-week abortion ban. Cooper is endorsed by NC State AFL-CIO, NC Association of Educators, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom For All, and Nurses for America.

Whatley is the former Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Previously, he served as a staffer in the United States Senate. He said he was “proud” of the activism of the anti-abortion movement when Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. Whatley is endorsed by President Trump, Vice President Vance, and AFP Action.