Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, officially entered the race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat in 2026. Backed by President Donald Trump, Whatley is expected to be the Republican frontrunner.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, praised Whatley as a "fantastic" leader who helped the GOP win swing states and all presidential contests in North Carolina from 2016 to 2024. He called Whatley a "wonderful man" who would fight to grow the economy, cut taxes, secure the border, and defend the Second Amendment.
Whatley's entry follows Lara Trump's decision not to run, and Sen. Thom Tillis dropping out. Democrats appear to be unifying behind former Gov. Roy Cooper, while former Rep. Wiley Nickel has withdrawn and endorsed Cooper.
I’m excited to announce my campaign for the U.S. Senate to represent the great state of North Carolina!
— Michael Whatley (@ChairmanWhatley) July 31, 2025
I am humbled and excited to begin this campaign, and I would be honored to earn your vote, your support, and your prayers.
Let’s get to work. 🇺🇸https://t.co/PA8TuFPwCL… pic.twitter.com/KdhRd5ni5E
Other Republicans in the race include Andy Nilsson and Don Brown. With Trump's full endorsement, Whatley is poised to lead a consolidated GOP field into one of 2026's key Senate races.
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TIPP Staff
