From Politico: Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley will run for Senate in North Carolina and will have the blessing of President Donald Trump after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, opted not to seek the seat, two people familiar with the decision told POLITICO.
Whatley’s entry into the race sets up the prospect of a highly-competitive and well-funded election in a state where Democrats believe they have one of their best chances of picking up a Senate seat.
The president, the two people said, believes Whatley is well-positioned to take on former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to announce his candidacy to replace the retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
Whatley, who was elected as RNC chair in March 2024, severed alongside Lara Trump and led the Republican Party to victory in the November elections, winning back the Senate, holding the majority in the House, and helping Trump to win back the White House in a landslide.
President Trump had first asked Lara Trump to run for the North Carolina Senate seat, but she has chosen to continue as host of her Fox News show, the report explains. Lara is expected to support Whatley’s race and even help campaign with him.
Whatley has not yet announced his campaign, but when he does, Trump is expected to announce a replacement to lead the RNC.
SCOOP: RNC Chair Michael Whatley will soon announce his run for Senate in North Carolina with the full support of President Trump.
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. pic.twitter.com/Qp59IK5Agm
— Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) July 24, 2025
RNC chair Michael Whatley to run for Senate in North Carolina with Trump’s support https://t.co/Z2vhdEZwmP
— POLITICO (@politico) July 24, 2025
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