Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, stated in an undercover video interview that he does not intend to sign a pledge from moderate Democrats that repudiates socialist policies. The footage, obtained by Fox News Digital, shows Cooper arguing that the Democratic Party requires a broad coalition, particularly as the Republican Party undergoes internal shifts. Cooper, the former governor of North Carolina, is running to succeed retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
The 'Promise to America' is an initiative by moderate Democrats to distance the party from candidates and platforms associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Cooper’s refusal to sign the pledge has drawn scrutiny from Republican opponents who view it as an embrace of progressive policies they consider extreme. Cooper’s campaign has maintained that he is not a socialist and has highlighted his history of bipartisan cooperation.
What the Left Is Saying
Cooper argued in the video that the Democratic Party needs to include 'all kinds of folks' to be effective. 'I think the party needs a wide spectrum, particularly at a time when the Republican Party is shrinking and having all kinds of loyalty tests,' Cooper said. He emphasized unity as a strategic necessity against the current administration. 'Particularly now when we’re in such difficult straits and we’re in a foxhole right now. We’ve all got to be together to take our government back,' he stated. Cooper added that he did not see the need to sign the pledge, warning that division could lead to an 'autocracy.'
The DSA, which supports various progressive candidates, advocates for policies such as abolishing the U.S. Senate, establishing public ownership of corporations, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a statement to the New York Times, Cooper clarified his stance, stating, 'For the record, no,' when asked if he was a Communist. He noted, 'I have a record of working across the aisle. The people of North Carolina know that I can be a senator that puts them first. Before power, before party, before politics.'
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other moderates are described by Republican critics as hesitant to challenge the progressive wing of the party. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, argued that this dynamic is 'dangerous' and that moderates are 'terrified of the extreme left.' Speaking at an energy summit hosted by Club for Growth and Arnold Ventures, Cruz stated, 'Finding a middle ground on ideological issues right now is … the prospects for success, particularly between now and election day, are not high.' Cruz added, 'Schumer is truly terrified right now.'
Republicans point to the DSA’s platform as evidence of a shift away from traditional Democratic centrism. The DSA’s website outlines a vision where 'comfortable housing is a human right' and 'food, education, energy, medicine and transportation aren’t for-profit businesses; they are common goods and utilities.' Cooper’s opponent in the general election, Michael Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is expected to leverage Cooper’s comments in the campaign leading up to the Nov. 3 vote.
What the Numbers Show
Cooper served as governor of North Carolina from 2017 to 2025. During his tenure, he worked with a Republican-controlled legislature. He secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat vacated by Thom Tillis, R-N.C. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Cooper’s campaign stated that his only pledge is to the people of North Carolina. 'Roy is not a socialist and he will work with anyone, including Republicans, as he has done his entire career to lower costs for hardworking families and fight for North Carolina,' his campaign said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The 'Promise to America' serves as a litmus test for moderate Democrats, aiming to distinguish them from DSA-backed candidates. The DSA has surged in influence within the Democratic primaries for the 2026 midterms, according to Cruz. North Carolina has historically leaned Republican in Senate races, though Cooper’s campaign emphasizes his bipartisan record as a key differentiator. The video interview was conducted undercover, raising questions about the context of Cooper’s remarks, though his campaign has not disputed the authenticity of the quotes.
The Bottom Line
Cooper’s refusal to sign the anti-socialist pledge highlights the ongoing tension within the Democratic Party between moderates and progressives. As the 2026 midterms approach, the extent to which DSA-aligned policies influence mainstream Democratic candidates remains a central point of contention. Cooper will face Michael Whatley in the general election, where his stance on party unity and ideological alignment is likely to be a focal point of Republican advertising. The outcome of the race could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.