Good morning, John —

On this last day of 2025, I am reflecting on all the changes this year has brought.

I’d like to share some thoughts with you, but first I need to ask you to invest in our campaign for the U.S. Senate by donating before midnight. When the year ends, we’ll need to file a public financial report, and it’s important that we show everyone our momentum remains strong.

It started off with the end of my time as Governor.

All I’ve ever wanted to do was give back to the state that I love so much. Having the opportunity to serve as Governor for eight years meant more to me than I can say — and we got a lot done.

We expanded Medicaid to more than 700,000 people and created jobs by investing in building a clean energy economy. We invested in early learning and childcare to give kids the strong start they deserve and established North Carolina as the #1 state for business three of the last four years. I left office with a deep gratitude for having this chance to serve and for all those whose help made it possible.

I spent the first few months of 2025 thinking hard about what might come next.

It kept nagging at me that I needed to do something more to make a difference. And when I thought about this Senate seat, I thought about how the same kinds of people-first policies that we put forth here in NC could help families across the country. And I saw how important this seat was not only for our state, but for the nation as a whole.

So I spent some time talking with my family about it and praying on it, and then I decided. I would run for office yet again, and because I know my country needs me.

John, the enthusiasm and encouragement we received when we started out on this campaign was like nothing I could have imagined. I’m grateful for everyone who has stepped up with a donation, shared news of our campaign online, or reached out with support.

Our people-centered movement has grown even more in the months since then.

But it hasn’t all been easy. The right-wing GOP is united against us — they see our campaign as the top threat to their one-party hold on power. President Trump handpicked my opponent, and Trump has even attacked me personally.

I am clear-eyed about what’s ahead: This is going to be the most difficult race I’ve ever run. We expect it to become the most expensive Senate race in history due to the GOP’s mega-donors and super PACs spending against us.

I know I can’t take them on alone.

Tonight is our final end-of-quarter deadline of 2025. Tomorrow, our election year begins. I am ready for the fight ahead, but I can only win it with your help. Please donate anything you can afford to help meet our $1 million online fundraising goal before time runs out.

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Best wishes for 2026,

Roy Cooper