Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley is set to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, a move that comes with the full endorsement of President Donald Trump. This development positions Whatley for one of the most closely watched and financially intensive races in the upcoming 2026 election cycle. The news was initially reported by Dasha Burns, who stated in a tweet, "SCOOP: RNC Chair Michael Whatley will soon announce his run for Senate in North Carolina with the full support of President Trump."
Whatley, who assumed the chairmanship of the RNC in March 2024 and was re-elected in January 2025, has a deep history in North Carolina politics, having served as the state's Republican Party Chair for five years. Despite his extensive political background, including roles as chief of staff for former Senator Elizabeth Dole and senior advisor to both Bush-Cheney and Trump-Pence campaigns, Whatley has not previously run for elected office. His close alliance with President Trump, who hand-picked him for the RNC leadership, is expected to be a significant asset in his campaign.
The North Carolina Senate seat is opening due to the retirement of incumbent Senator Thom Tillis, making it a pivotal "toss-up" race that Democrats are keen to flip to gain control of the Senate. North Carolina is a key swing state, having supported Donald Trump in the last two presidential elections, albeit by narrow margins. Potential Democratic contenders for the seat include former Governor Roy Cooper, who has a strong record of winning statewide elections, and U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel, who has already declared his candidacy.
Adding another layer to the race, Lara Trump, the President's daughter-in-law and former RNC Co-Chair, has opted against a Senate run. According to the tweet, "Lara Trump opted to stay in her gig at Fox News and will also support Whatley in what will be one of next year’s most hotly watched (and $$) races." Her decision clears the field for Whatley on the Republican side and ensures her continued support for his campaign from her media platform.
The 2026 North Carolina Senate contest is anticipated to be exceptionally competitive and expensive, drawing significant national attention and financial investment from both parties. Whatley's extensive network from his leadership roles within the state and national Republican committees is expected to provide him with substantial fundraising capabilities for the high-stakes campaign.