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Republicans are coalescing behind former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley’s anticipated bid for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.
President Donald Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee posted on social media on Thursday in support of Whatley, who is expected to formally enter the race soon. Although it’s not yet a formal endorsement—which generally comes with financial backing in the primary and general election—the NRSC signaling its support effectively makes Whatley the frontrunner for the GOP nominating contest, particularly after Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, opted to forgo a bid for the seat.
“Michael Whatley is a strong America First conservative who will be a champion for North Carolina in the U.S. Senate,” NRSC Chair Tim Scott said in a statement on X.
This endorsement aligns Scott and the NRSC with Trump, who called on Whatley to run earlier in the day.
“Mike would make an unbelievable Senator from North Carolina,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He added later: “should Michael Whatley run for the Senate, please let this notification represent my Complete and Total Endorsement. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Whatley was previously chair of the North Carolina Republican Party. He’s expected to run to succeed outgoing GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, who opted for retirement earlier this year. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is also expected to announce a bid next week, with party leaders in Washington believing he’s the best candidate to flip the state blue.
The expected matchup between Whatley and Cooper will likely be one of the midterm elections’ most closely watched races, likely drawing hundreds of millions of dollars in spending from both parties. Democrats consider the state their most likely Senate pickup opportunity next year, and a place they must win if they have any hope of retaking majority control of the chamber in 2027.
North Carolina has trended purple in recent elections and has elected Democratic governors over the past three terms. But its Senate seats have remained consistently red, despite expensive recent attempts from former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley in 2022 and former North Carolina State Sen. Cal Cunningham in 2020. Democrats last won a Senate race in the state in 2008.
“The Tar Heel State has supported President Trump in all three of his elections and elected Republicans to both its U.S. Senate seats for over a decade,” Scott said in his statement. “With Michael as our candidate, we will win it again in 2026!”
North Carolina’s Senate primaries are scheduled for March 3, 2026.
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As of now, the GOP field isn’t crowded. Andy Nilsson, a former candidate for North Carolina lieutenant governor, launched a bid earlier this year to primary Tillis. Don Brown, a former Navy JAG officer, is also running a MAGA-aligned campaign and has been endorsed by former GOP gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson. Both candidates would face long odds against the Trump-backed Whatley if they choose to stay in the race.
No other serious contenders have entered the race.
The party’s ability to unite behind Whatley caps a strong week for Republicans electorally as they prepare to defend majorities in both the House and Senate next year.
On Wednesday, Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan announced he would not run in the state’s Senate race, clearing the way for the party’s preferred candidate, Mike Rogers, to avoid a messy primary. And on the House side, Rep. Mike Lawler of New York said this week that he would seek reelection in the House, letting Republicans keep one of their top incumbents in a battleground district.
Reese Gorman is a politics reporter at NOTUS, covering President Donald Trump and Congress. He previously reported for The Daily Beast and Washington Examiner.
Ursula Perano is a reporter at NOTUS covering the Senate. She was previously with Politico, Axios, and The Daily Beast.
Alex Roarty is a reporter at NOTUS. He was previously a reporter for McClatchy newspapers, Roll Call, and National Journal.