Federal Election Commission records indicate that Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign has expended more than $250,000 on private security during the 2026 election cycle. The total, $277,312.28, was directed to two vendors and has drawn attention from Republican opponents.
Payments were made to Foresight Solutions, a firm that provides customized security assessments, workplace safety training, de‑escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and workplace violence prevention. Frontpoint supplied home‑security systems designed to protect residences and families.
The spending comes amid GOP criticism of Cooper’s record on policing, criminal‑justice reform, Immigration and Customs Enforcement cooperation, and COVID‑era inmate releases. Republicans also reference a recent incident involving a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte light rail train to highlight perceived softness on crime.
Republican strategist Mark Bednar described the security expenditure as evidence of hypocrisy, arguing that voters are concerned about public safety rather than a candidate’s personal security measures. He said that Cooper’s record on criminal justice and early release of offenders contradicts his claims of being tough on crime.
Bednar further alleged that Cooper had prevented local law enforcement from working with immigration officials and that he released thousands of criminals during the pandemic who later reoffended. He warned that such hypocrisy would become apparent to voters in a closely contested election.
Cooper’s campaign spokesperson defended the former governor’s public‑safety record and accused his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, of hypocrisy. The spokesperson highlighted Whatley’s appointment of a convicted child sex predator to a powerful party position and his push to release prisoners during the pandemic.
The campaign also cited Cooper’s 16 years as attorney general and the legislation he signed as governor, which made it easier to target drug dealers, gave judges discretion to keep violent offenders in custody before trial, and increased law‑enforcement pay.
Whatley’s spokesperson countered that Cooper’s release of thousands of convicted criminals back onto the streets has had devastating consequences. He said that Cooper’s record has led to a significant increase in crime.
