Rnc Chair Michael Whatley To Run For North Carolina Senate Seat

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley intends to tally for Senate successful North Carolina, a root acquainted pinch nan matter told NBC News.

Whatley's expected tally comes aft Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., unexpectedly announced precocious past period that he would not activity re-election, catapulting nan spot to 1 of nan astir notable races to watch successful nan 2026 midterm elections.

The RNC chair's determination was first reported by Politico.

NBC News previously reported that erstwhile Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, besides plans to motorboat a Senate campaign. Whatley and Cooper are expected to beryllium nan apical contenders successful nan high-stakes title successful nan battleground state.

President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump had besides been considering a run, and she told NBC News past week that she was hoping to make a determination by Thanksgiving.