North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley attacked his Democratic opponent Roy Cooper, linking him to a Charlotte light rail stabbing and accusing him of freeing 'rapists and murderers' ahead of the primary.

North Carolina has launched some of the first midterm primaries, featuring key races for US Senate and House seats, with Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley leading polls for the Senate primary.

Democrats are betting on former Governor Roy Cooper to win the North Carolina Senate race, confident he can overcome Donald Trump's endorsement, partly due to his undefeated electoral record.

North Carolina Democrats are hoping former Governor Roy Cooper can defeat Trump's preferred Senate candidate, Michael Whatley, in the upcoming Senate primary.