Have you seen the political ads trying to tie former Gov. Roy Cooper (D) to tragic murders that have taken place in North Carolina?
One of the ads, created by the Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund, has racked up over 20 million views on YouTube.
The grieving father in the ad, Ronald Hayes, says he had no idea his testimony about his son Shemar’s 2024 murder would be used for political purposes. He says he has supported Cooper in the past, and plans to vote for him again.
Many of the SLF’s anti-Cooper ads have been criticized for providing misleading or false info about Cooper’s record as NC governor and attorney general. Cardinal & Pine’s Dylan Rhoney explains.
For more on the 2026 elections in North Carolina—how to register, when to vote, and what’s on the ballot—check out Cardinal & Pine’s 2026 Voter Guide.
For more Cooper’s record on crime, check out a recent episode of Billy Ball Explains NC from Cardinal & Pine below.
