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Sen. Thom Tillis announced Sunday he will not seek reelection in 2026, immediately sparking speculation that Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, could be the GOP’s frontrunner for the open Senate seat in North Carolina.
The announcement followed Tillis’ vote against advancing Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in the Senate on Saturday. Just hours later, Trump vowed to support a primary challenger, a move that further fueled speculation about Lara Trump entering the race.
Lara Trump, a North Carolina native and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, has long been regarded as a rising star in the party. Her deep ties to the state and close connection to the president make her a formidable potential candidate in what is expected to be a high-stakes primary.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and other Republican figures, including Rep. Pat Harrigan and NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson, are also considered possible contenders. Still, insiders say Trump’s endorsement could quickly clear the field, and many expect Lara Trump to take center stage if she enters the race.
Before Tillis announced his plans to retire, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America.”
Additional possible candidates include North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, former Rep. George Holding, who currently sits on the board of the Trump Media & Technology Group, and freshman Rep. Addison McDowell.
Tillis declined to endorse a successor, saying his decision would depend on who enters the race.
Lara Trump was also previously rumored to replace Florida Sen. Marco Rubio after he was nominated to become the Trump administration’s Secretary of State.
“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” she posted to X in December.
“I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and I’m truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida,” she added. “I have read so many of your kind messages and I cannot thank you enough.”