In a move that reshapes the political landscape of North Carolina, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Thom Tillis, who recently declared he will not seek a third term.
Whatley’s entry into the race comes with the full backing of former President Donald Trump, signaling a strategic pivot within Trump’s inner circle after Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, opted not to run.
Lara Trump had long been considered the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, given her deep ties to the state and her prominent role as RNC co-chair alongside Whatley in 2024. Her decision to step aside, citing family considerations and her current role as a Fox News host, opened the door for Whatley, a seasoned party operative and North Carolina native.
Trump’s endorsement of Whatley was swift and emphatic, with insiders noting that the former president views him as a loyal ally and a proven fundraiser capable of mounting a formidable campaign. Whatley’s tenure as state GOP chair and his leadership of the national party have earned him credibility among grassroots conservatives and national donors alike.
Senator Tillis’ retirement followed months of tension with Trump, particularly over his opposition to the administration’s sweeping domestic policy bill. Trump publicly celebrated Tillis’ departure, calling it “great news,” and made clear that he would play a decisive role in selecting the next Republican nominee.
Whatley’s candidacy is expected to unify the party and avoid a bruising primary, with other potential contenders like Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson signaling deference to Trump’s choice.
On the Democratic side, former Governor Roy Cooper is widely expected to enter the race in the coming days. Cooper, a two-term governor with a history of statewide victories, is seen as the Democrats’ best hope to flip the seat in a state that Trump narrowly won in 2024.
A Whatley-Cooper matchup would instantly become one of the marquee Senate races of the 2026 cycle, drawing national attention and massive fundraising. Both candidates bring deep political experience and strong party backing, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in a battleground state.
With formal announcements expected soon, North Carolina is poised to become ground zero in the fight for Senate control.
As the race heats up, one thing is clear: North Carolina voters are in for a political showdown that could shape the balance of power in Washington for years to come.
