In a major victory for Democrats seeking control of the Senate, Democrat Roy Cooper has won North Carolina ’s Senate contest, AP News projects, defeating Republican candidate Michael Whatley, who was backed by President Donald Trump .

The 69-year-old former two-term governor capitalized on his statewide name recognition to secure strong support from independent voters, centering his campaign on high food and energy expenses as approval ratings for Trump dropped.

Entering Tuesday’s vote, Republicans maintained a 53-47 Senate majority, leaving Democrats needing to net four seats to assume majority control.

Cooper is the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina in 18 years, ending a streak of five consecutive Republican victories in the state’s Senate races.

Cooper will succeed Republican Sen.…