Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley has officially launched his campaign for the North Carolina Senate seat currently held by retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis. The decision to enter the race follows Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, passing on a possible bid, as reported by Politico last week.
Whatley expressed his enthusiasm on X, stating, “I am humbled and excited to begin this campaign, and I would be honored to earn your vote, your support, and your prayers.” His campaign has already drawn significant attention, with former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s campaign breaking fundraising records in its first 24 hours.
President Donald Trump has publicly supported Whatley’s bid, emphasizing his effectiveness at the RNC and the party’s electoral success. In a social media post, Trump wrote, “Mike would make an unbelievable Senator from North Carolina. He is fantastic at everything he does, and he was certainly great at the RNC where, in the Presidential Election, we won every Swing State, the Popular Vote, and the Electoral College by a landslide!”
The race is shaping up to be a costly and competitive battle, with Democrats seeing North Carolina as a key state to secure a Senate seat in next year’s midterm elections. Cooper, who has won statewide six times, is expected to lead the Democratic ticket, further intensifying the contest for Tillis’ seat.
As the campaign unfolds, both parties are likely to invest heavily in advertising and grassroots efforts to sway voters. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate and the broader political landscape in the South.