An exclusive audio recording obtained by Breitbart News captures North Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper telling supporters at a campaign event that criminals need “health care, not handcuffs.” The remarks, delivered when Cooper believed no cameras were rolling, have intensified scrutiny over his record on crime—a record that includes the largest mass prison release in state history and a 2020 executive order that embraced cashless bail and other progressive reforms.
In the audio, Cooper is heard discussing his tenure as governor, touting items such as the state’s business ranking—an achievement he had little direct role in, having vetoed tax cuts and teacher pay raises proposed by Republican legislative leaders. He then pivoted to Medicaid expansion, framing it as a way to provide “people in jails health care, not handcuffs,” a comment that critics say prioritizes criminals over the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Cooper’s 2020 ‘Racial Justice’ Manifesto
The recording aligns with a 2020 report from Cooper’s racial justice task force, which argued that North Carolina “can reimagine public safety” and that “it is impossible to divorce racial equity in the criminal justice system from racial equity in our larger society.” The report recommended the state “promote diversion and other alternatives to arrest,” urging law enforcement and prosecutors to “consider the impact of collateral consequences of a criminal record” and to issue citations and summons in lieu of arrests.
Cooper has faced sustained attack from his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, and outside groups over his crime record. Since launching his campaign more than a year ago, Cooper has largely stuck to a bait-and-switch messaging strategy on affordability, ignoring the four years under the Biden administration that produced 40-year-high inflation and massive price increases.
Bait-and-Switch on Crime
Seemingly aware that his crime record is a liability, Cooper released an ad touting his experience as both attorney general and governor. But the ad conveniently omitted his role in releasing thousands of convicted criminals from prison and his failure to process rape kits during his tenure.
At a recent event, Cooper pushed back on attacks, saying, “Independent fact checks show most of what they’re saying is simply not true. I’m the only one in this race who’s actually prosecuted violent criminals and worked to keep them behind bars.”
However, reporters in North Carolina—many of whom depended on gubernatorial access for their coverage—have yet to reconcile that claim with the case of DeCarlos Brown, an alleged murderer who appeared on Cooper’s 2021 convicted criminal early release list. Brown, who has been ruled mentally unfit to stand trial in both state and federal court, had been arrested 14 times before being released back onto the streets of Charlotte each time due to Mecklenburg County’s far-left judges—the same judges who eagerly implemented weak bail laws and lesser charges.
Law Enforcement Backs Whatley
Cooper’s record has alienated law enforcement groups across the state. Three major organizations—the NC Troopers Association, the NC Police Benevolent Association, and the NC Fraternal Order of Police—have all endorsed Whatley. Last week, the non-partisan National Border Patrol Council also threw its support behind Whatley, with its president, Paul Perez, campaigning alongside him in events across North Carolina.
The contrast between Cooper’s private remarks and his public messaging could prove decisive in a race where crime and public safety have become central themes. With the election drawing closer, voters will decide whether Cooper’s version of “health care, not handcuffs” resonates—or whether it further cements his image as soft on crime.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/09/03/exclusive-democrat-roy-cooper-says-criminals-need-healthcare-not-handcuffs/