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Michael Whatley, the Republican National Committee Chair, has announced his candidacy for the open Senate seat in North Carolina, which is currently held by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. President Donald Trump has reportedly given his approval for Whatley’s run, following Lara Trump’s decision not to pursue the seat.
The upcoming Senate race in North Carolina is expected to be highly competitive and costly, with former two-term Governor Roy Cooper set to enter the race as a Democrat. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has met with Whatley to discuss the North Carolina race.
Whatley, a native of North Carolina, previously served as the state’s GOP chair for five years before being elected as RNC chair last March. With Tillis opting not to seek re-election, Trump holds significant influence in selecting the Republican nominee for the 2026 Senate race in North Carolina.
Despite being at the top of the list, Lara Trump, who previously served as an RNC co-chair alongside Whatley, has decided against running for the Senate seat. Trump, who has close ties to North Carolina, currently hosts a show on Fox News Channel.
In an interview, Whatley expressed confidence in retaining the Senate seat in North Carolina, highlighting the state’s history of Republican victories. He emphasized the significance of the upcoming Senate race in North Carolina, along with other key races across the country.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
