Michael Whatley Launches U.S. Senate Campaign in North Carolina

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley officially entered the race Thursday for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat, soon to be vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis.

Whatley, a former head of the state Republican Party and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, announced his campaign on social media, saying he was “humbled and excited” to seek voters’ support. Trump endorsed Whatley last week, calling him “an unbelievable Senator” and praising his leadership at the RNC.

The announcement follows reports that Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, declined to run, clearing the path for Whatley’s candidacy. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests of 2026, with former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper already setting fundraising records after launching his own campaign.