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.
Lara Trump, who the president had previously asked to run, has decided to remain as host of her weekly show on Fox News. She is expected to back Whatley, with whom she co-chaired the RNC last year, and the two will likely appear together in the near future, according to the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss the plans in advance.
A public announcement is expected in the next week to 10 days, they said.
Trump is optimistic that Whatley, who ran the state party in North Carolina before becoming RNC chair, has the knowledge of the state, the national profile and the network of relationships to mount a strong campaign to replace Tillis, who announced his retirement last month after opposing the sweeping domestic policy agenda bill backed by the president.
Whatley was elected RNC chair in March 2024 and led the party alongside Lara Trump to sweeping victories up and down the ballot in last year’s elections.
Republicans believe Whatley’s connections with donors will be an asset in what will likely be one of the most expensive races in next year’s elections.
“The president feels Whatley has earned his shot,” said one of the people familiar with his plans.
Trump is expected to announce Whatley’s replacement at the RNC around the time he announces his Senate campaign.
Democrats are targeting North Carolina as a potential pickup opportunity in a map that otherwise favors Republicans. Cooper, the popular former two-term governor, is expected to launch his campaign as soon as Monday.
Trump is aware the North Carolina seat will be “an uphill battle for any Republican,” one person said, and recognizes that Cooper will be a tough opponent.
Trump’s endorsement of Whatley will likely prevent a messy primary in a state Trump won in the past three presidential elections. North Carolina Rep. Pat Harrigan has previously said he would endorse Lara Trump if she decided to run, while Rep. Richard Hudson has ruled out a Senate bid.
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