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Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley won the Republican primary for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat Tuesday night, securing the GOP nomination to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.
Tillis announced last year that he would not seek reelection and plans to retire at the end of his term in November.
According to the Associated Press, Whatley won the primary with about 64 percent of the vote when the race was called. He will face Roy Cooper, a Democrat and former North Carolina governor, in the general election during the midterms.
Whatley thanked supporters in a message posted on X following the victory.
“Thank you North Carolina! I’m honored to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina,” Whatley wrote. “Republicans are united. Now the real fight begins.”
He described the upcoming contest as a contrast between Republican priorities and Cooper’s record as governor.
“This November, North Carolina voters will have a choice: Safer Communities, Secure Borders, More Jobs and Lower Costs or Roy Cooper’s failed record,” Whatley said. “Let’s win.”
Whatley also shared the victory reaction President Trump posted to his Truth Social account.
President Trump also celebrated the victories of several other North Republican candidates. They included Rep. Tim Moore, Rep. Brad Knott, Rep. Chuck Edwards, Rep. Pat Harrigan, Rep. Richard Hudson, Rep. Mark Harris, Rep. David Rouzer, Rep. Addison McDowell, Rep. Virginia Foxx and Rep. Greg Murphy.
“Michael is a wonderful man, has ALWAYS delivered for North Carolina, especially after the terrible floods, where the Biden Administration did nothing, and will continue doing so as your next U.S. Senator, where he will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” President Trump previously stated in his endorsement.
The North Carolina race is expected to be closely watched in November as Republicans seek to maintain or expand their influence in Congress during the midterm elections.
