Michael Whatley joins North Carolina Senate race with backing from Trump

EXCLUSIVE: GASTONIA, N.C. — The Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Michael Whatley, officially announced his candidacy for a Senate seat in North Carolina, a key battleground state.

Whatley’s campaign launch took place in his hometown of Gastonia, North Carolina, following an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

“President Trump deserves a strong ally, and North Carolina needs a conservative voice in the Senate,” Whatley stated to a supportive crowd of family, friends, and followers. “I am committed to being that voice.”

The RNC chair’s announcement comes shortly after former Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, entered the race to succeed retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis, adding another layer of competition to the upcoming election cycle.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Whatley emphasized the significance of the upcoming midterm elections, highlighting North Carolina as a key battleground state. He expressed gratitude for President Trump’s endorsement and the opportunity to run in the race.

The upcoming race between Whatley and Cooper is expected to be fiercely competitive and expensive, with Cooper already raising a record-breaking $3.4 million within the first 24 hours of his campaign launch.

Whatley, a native of North Carolina, previously served as the state’s GOP chair and was appointed as RNC chair by President Trump in March 2024.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at the Democratic National Convention in August 2024 in Chicago. (Imagn)

As the campaign intensifies, Whatley aims to highlight Cooper’s ties to far-left figures within the Democratic Party and challenge his record. He emphasized the importance of addressing key issues that resonate with voters across North Carolina.

With the Senate race heating up, both candidates are gearing up for a competitive battle that will shape the political landscape in North Carolina and beyond.