Republican Party leader Michael Whatley joins the North Carolina Senate race following Lara Trump's decision to step aside
In the political landscape of the United States, the upcoming 2026 Senate elections are already generating significant interest. One of the most intriguing races is unfolding in North Carolina, where Democrats view the contest as a promising pickup opportunity.
The vacancy in North Carolina's Senate seat was announced by incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who has decided not to seek reelection. Tillis' decision follows a high-profile clash with former President Donald Trump over his opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
As the Republicans scramble to find a strong contender to defend the open seat, the name of Michael Whatley, the current Republican National Committee (RNC) chair, has emerged as a potential candidate. Whatley, who was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, had previously been considered for a Senate bid and has won favour with Trump by backing efforts to contest the 2020 election results.
Since January, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) had been quietly floating Whatley as a potential contender to replace Tillis. Internal polling indicated that a Trump-aligned Republican would have the best prospects of winning the North Carolina Senate seat. In March 2023, Whatley officially announced his candidacy for the North Carolina Senate.
Another rumoured candidate for the North Carolina Senate is Roy Cooper, the former North Carolina Governor. Cooper, known for his Democratic leanings, could potentially make the race even more competitive.
Meanwhile, Lara Trump, who currently hosts an eponymous "My View" Fox News show, has confirmed she will not run for the North Carolina Senate seat. Lara Trump, who was previously considered for a Senate bid, passed on running for the Old North Star State Senate seat in 2022, which is now held by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC).
Republicans will have to defend 22 of the 35 seats in the upper chamber up for grabs in 2026. Sen. Susan Collins' (R-Maine) seat is also up for grabs in the 2026 cycle, adding another challenging contest to the Republicans' election strategy.
With the North Carolina Senate race shaping up to be a competitive contest between Whatley and Cooper, the political stage in North Carolina is set for an exciting showdown in 2026.
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