Roy Cooper Brings ‘Make Stuff Cost Less’ Tour to Durham, Draws Hundreds to Rally
DURHAM, NC – A packed crowd gathered in Durham as former Governor Roy Cooper brought his campaign message directly to voters, focusing on one issue he says is impacting families across North Carolina every day. With rising costs dominating kitchen table conversations, Cooper is positioning affordability as a central pillar of his run for the U.S. Senate.
Cooper Rally Highlights Cost of Living Concerns
During a stop on his “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour, Roy Cooper held a rally in Durham with hundreds of supporters, outlining his plan to address rising costs for families across the state.
“For too many people, the middle class feels like a distant dream,” Cooper said.
“With the cost of groceries, health care, utilities, housing, and childcare skyrocketing, working families are being crushed.”
Affordability at the Center of Senate Campaign
Cooper emphasized that his campaign is focused on reducing everyday expenses, including:
He also pointed to the broader economic pressures facing different groups across the state, from young families and farmers to veterans.
“In Washington, I’ll be an independent voice, working with anyone to make stuff cost less for hardworking North Carolinians,” he said.
State Leaders Show Support
Cooper was joined at the Durham rally by several prominent leaders, including:
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Governor Josh Stein
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Justice Anita Earls
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Congresswoman Valerie Foushee
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State Senator Natalie Murdock
Governor Stein praised Cooper’s record, pointing to past efforts to expand access to health care and improve affordability.
“Things are too expensive right now and our people are hurting because of it,” Stein said. “We need someone in the U.S. Senate who will make things better—and that’s Roy Cooper.”
Voters Share Personal Impact of Rising Costs
Supporters at the rally spoke about how rising prices are affecting their daily lives.
Kewanna Riley, a parent and public school educator, highlighted the strain of grocery costs:
“If you work hard, you should be able to afford healthy food for your family,” she said.
Melissa Garber, a young professional, pointed to the broader financial pressure:
“Whether I’m at the doctor’s office, shopping for groceries or paying the electric bill, everything costs so much these days.”
Policy Plans Rolling Out in Phases
As part of the tour, Cooper outlined plans to:
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Lower food and grocery costs
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Reduce health care expenses
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Address rising utility costs
Additional proposals targeting housing and child care affordability are expected in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
With affordability emerging as a defining issue in the race, Cooper’s Durham stop signals a campaign strategy focused on connecting policy to everyday realities. As the tour continues, the message remains consistent: tackling the rising cost of living is central to the path forward for North Carolina families.