RNC Chairman Michael Whatley Announces Senate Bid in North Carolina

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, has declared his intention to run for an open Senate seat in North Carolina in the upcoming elections of 2026. His candidacy is reportedly supported by former President Donald Trump, marking a significant step in what is expected to be a highly competitive race. This opportunity arises following the announcement that incumbent Republican Senator Thom Tillis will not seek a third term, a decision that has sparked interest from various political figures.

Whatley’s plans were confirmed by two sources familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to comment publicly before an official announcement. According to one of the sources, Trump directly encouraged Whatley to pursue the Senate seat. This endorsement could bolster Whatley’s campaign, given his established presence within the Republican Party and his extensive fundraising network as RNC chair.

The political landscape in North Carolina is notably dynamic. Democrats view this Senate seat as a prime opportunity to regain influence in the Senate, especially after President Biden won the state in the 2020 election. Former two-term Governor Roy Cooper is being encouraged to enter the race, as he is widely regarded as a formidable candidate. An advisor to Cooper, Morgan Jackson, indicated that Cooper would disclose his intentions regarding the race in the coming days.

While Whatley’s candidacy is gaining momentum, there had been speculation about Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, potentially running for the seat. Lara Trump previously co-chaired the RNC and is considered to have a significant following due to her connections. However, she would need to relocate back to North Carolina from Florida, where she currently resides with her family. In past election cycles, Lara Trump opted out of running, including in 2022 and 2024, when other opportunities arose.

The competitive nature of the upcoming race is underscored by the potential candidates emerging from both parties. First-term Republican Representative Pat Harrigan, a West Point graduate and former Green Beret, has expressed enthusiasm about the race. He has publicly stated his support for Lara Trump should she decide to run, highlighting the ongoing dynamics within the Republican Party.

With North Carolina having supported Trump by 3.2 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, the state remains a focal point for both parties in the lead-up to the midterm elections. The contest for the Senate seat is poised to be contentious, with both parties eager to secure a strategic advantage in the Senate.

As the political landscape evolves, the upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the candidates’ strategies and voter sentiments in North Carolina. The unfolding developments will likely attract significant attention from both national and local media, reflecting the high stakes involved in this pivotal Senate race.