In just one summer week, the nation’s most important and expensive race blew up with former Gov. Roy Cooper and RNC Chairman Michael Whatley both entering the race. 

They are likely to face each other in the 2026 general election to replace Senator Thom Tillis. 

This week, one of the state’s most prominent consultants, Republican Jim Blaine, joins us to break down what each candidate brings to the table, their potential pitfalls and who has an advantage some 15 months before the highly anticipated election. 

Blaine is a co-founder of The Differentiators and was one of Sen. Phil Berger’s most powerful lieutenants.