Other speakers throughout the night hinted at a Cooper candidacy. Saturday's event was headlined by Illinois Gov. JB Prizker, who, taking the stage after Cooper's speech, called out, "Thank you Governor Cooper, thank you Senator Cooper!"

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Saturday night gave his strongest indication yet that he would seek an open U.S. Senate seat next year while speaking at a state Democratic Party event in Raleigh.

At tonight’s NC Democrat Unity Dinner, former Gov. Roy Cooper hinted at running for Senate, after Senator Tom Tillis announced he is not running for reelection.