President Trump rallies for Michael Whatley in North Carolina Senate race

GASTONIA, N.C. — President Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina to support Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley ahead of the November election.

Trump urged voters to back Whatley in a high-stakes race that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

The rally took place in Gaston County, Whatley’s home county, where Trump spent an hour stumping for the Republican nominee and promoting his political agenda.

Whatley is facing Democrat Roy Cooper in the general election.

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During his speech, Trump focused a significant portion of his remarks on Cooper, criticizing the Democrat’s leadership during Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Trump also targeted Cooper over a controversial COVID-19 settlement that resulted in the early release of thousands of prisoners.

He reflected on the state’s public safety record during his address.

“No one used to think of North Carolina as a criminally dangerous state. It was as beautiful as apple pie,” Trump said.

In response to the rally, a spokesperson for Cooper defended the candidate’s platform while criticizing the Republican event.

The spokesperson stated that Whatley’s D.C. insider friends are attempting to bail him out, adding that Cooper is the only candidate in the race with a plan to lower everyday costs for residents.

Trump rallies for Michael Whatley in North Carolina Senate race

Ahead of Trump’s visit, state Sen. Woodson Bradley, a Democrat, joined a group in Gastonia to push back against Whatley’s campaign.

Bradley criticized Whatley’s positions on economic and foreign policy issues, including inflation, gas prices and the war with Iran.

“We feel inflation every time we open our wallets and every time we step out of the house. So if he’s advocating for policies that benefit his bottom line as a candidate. Imagine how he could abuse that seat in the United States Senate,” Bradley said.

The discussion surrounding rising costs comes as drivers across the region face high fuel prices.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in North Carolina is $4.11, while drivers in South Carolina are paying an average of $4.08 per gallon.