WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Framing affordability as the defining issue for working families, former Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday announced a new statewide effort he calls the “Make Stuff Cost Less” campaign, pledging to confront rising household expenses and what he described as “chaos in Washington” as he seeks election to the U.S. Senate.

Cooper said he will begin a series of public events next week, starting in Raleigh, where he plans to meet with residents and outline proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs — from groceries and rent to utilities and health care.

“For too many, the middle class is a distant dream. From groceries and rent to utilities and health care, stuff just costs too much for hardworking North Carolinians,” Cooper said in a statement. “It’s time for that to change. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate, and I’m excited to speak with North Carolinians across our state about how I’ll fight DC insiders and work to make stuff cost less.”

A Cost-of-Living Focus

The campaign theme centers on affordability — an issue that has cut across party lines as families across North Carolina continue to grapple with higher housing prices, rising insurance premiums and increased food costs.

Cooper, a Democrat who served two terms as governor, pointed to his record of bipartisan work in Raleigh as evidence he can deliver results in Washington. During his tenure, state leaders expanded Medicaid, invested in infrastructure and navigated pandemic recovery efforts — decisions he often framed as kitchen-table issues affecting working families.

As a U.S. senator, Cooper said he would focus on federal policies that influence health care costs, prescription drug pricing, housing supply and utility rates. Specific legislative proposals have not yet been detailed.

Why It Matters for North Carolina

North Carolina’s rapid population growth — particularly in urban centers such as Raleigh, Charlotte and the Triad — has intensified housing demand and strained affordability for renters and first-time homebuyers. In Winston-Salem and across Forsyth County, residents have voiced concerns about rising rent, property taxes and utility bills during recent public meetings.

Affordability has also become a top issue among voters statewide, according to recent polling and public forums. For many households, wage growth has not kept pace with inflation over the past several years, placing pressure on family budgets.

By centering his campaign on cost-of-living concerns, Cooper is positioning himself in a debate likely to dominate the 2026 Senate race.

What’s Next

The first leg of the “Make Stuff Cost Less” campaign will begin next week in Raleigh, with additional stops across North Carolina to be announced, campaign officials said.

Details about specific policy proposals and event locations are expected in the coming days.

As the Senate race unfolds, North Carolinians can expect affordability — and competing plans for how to address it — to remain at the forefront of the political conversation.