RNC Chair Michael Whatley Enters North Carolina Senate Race with Trump’s Endorsement

In a move that’s stirring up the political pot in North Carolina, RNC Chair Michael Whatley has thrown his hat into the ring for the open Republican-held Senate seat. With the endorsement of President Donald Trump, Whatley steps into a race that’s already shaping up to be a heavyweight bout in this battleground state.

The seat, currently occupied by Senator Thom Tillis, became a hot ticket item after Tillis announced he won’t seek re-election in the 2026 midterms. Trump, who has a significant influence over the GOP’s direction, hailed Tillis’ exit as ‘great news’, especially given their public disagreements over policy, including Trump’s much-touted spending and tax cut bill.

On the other side of the aisle, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is poised to enter the fray, with an announcement expected as early as next week. This sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested—and expensive—Senate races in the nation.

Whatley, a North Carolina native with deep roots in the state’s GOP, brings a seasoned perspective to the campaign. Having served as the state party chair for five years before taking the national RNC role, he’s no stranger to the rough-and-tumble of Tar Heel politics. His confidence in holding the seat is clear, as he recently noted the GOP’s long-standing success in North Carolina Senate races and Trump’s repeated victories in the state.

Interestingly, Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law and former RNC co-chair, opted out of the race after much speculation. In a statement, she expressed her continued commitment to the ‘Make America Great Again’ ethos but decided to step aside for now, leaving the path clear for Whatley.

With the National Republican Senatorial Committee already eyeing Whatley as a strong contender since early this year, and with Trump’s kingmaker status in full effect, the GOP is rallying to secure this critical seat. Meanwhile, Democrats see an opportunity in Cooper’s potential candidacy to flip the script in a state that’s often a political toss-up.

As Whatley himself put it, this race—alongside key battles in Georgia and beyond—will be a marquee showdown. Buckle up, folks; North Carolina is about to become the epicenter of political drama.