Whatley Enters Senate Race in North Carolina

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), is confirmed to be running for the U.S. Senate, aiming to succeed retiring North Carolina Senator Tom Tillis. His campaign is expected to receive backing from former President Trump, which could significantly influence the upcoming 2026 Senate race in North Carolina.

Whatley’s entry comes alongside support for Lara Trump, who had co-chaired the RNC with him during the last election cycle. This backing might help streamline the Republican nomination process and could potentially bolster their chances against former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.

Cooper, who took office as governor earlier this year, is also likely to avoid a tough primary and is anticipated to announce his candidacy soon. This upcoming election is being viewed as a critical battleground for both parties.

With the current Republican majority in the Senate at 53-47, they are eyeing opportunities to maintain their grip while Democrats are viewing North Carolina as a key pickup opportunity that could help them wrest control of the Senate. National Republican organizations are expected to invest heavily to safeguard this seat.

Insiders note that Whatley appears well-positioned to mount a strong campaign, having been on the party’s radar since the start of the year. The decision by Tillis to step down has shifted dynamics, losing some essential support among party voters.

Additional reports suggest that stronger candidates aligned with Trump could emerge in both the primary and general elections, supported by polling data indicating favorable outcomes. The NRSC had initially proposed Whatley as a candidate back in January, a move that gained traction after Tillis’s announcement in June that he wouldn’t seek re-election.

Before officially launching his campaign, Whatley discussed his intentions with NRSC Chair Tim Scott. Having previously chaired the North Carolina Republican Party, Whatley has established local connections and his previous fundraising efforts for the RNC could prove advantageous against Cooper.

In the first half of the year, the RNC reported raising $96.4 million, surpassing the funds raised by their Democratic counterparts by about $30 million.