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Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to run for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, according to two people familiar with the plans, Politico reported.
The seat is being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who announced earlier this month that he would not seek a third term. Tillis faced backlash from within his party after voting against advancing former President Donald Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
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.”
Whatley, a North Carolina native, is expected to formally launch his campaign within the next week to 10 days, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity with Politico.
Trump is expected to back Whatley, the sources said, especially after Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, decided not to enter the race. Lara Trump currently hosts a weekly program on Fox News and is anticipated to support Whatley’s bid. She and Whatley served together as co-chairs of the RNC in 2023 before Whatley was elected chairman in March 2024.
Lara Trump, a North Carolina native and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, has also been rumored to run for the open seat in early discussions. 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, though it appears that Whatley may be the one to move forward.
“The president feels Whatley has earned his shot,” one of the individuals told Politico.
Trump is also expected to announce Whatley’s successor at the RNC around the time of the campaign launch.
On the Democratic side, former Gov. Roy Cooper is widely expected to enter the race and could announce his candidacy as soon as Monday.