WASHINGTON — In a surprising pivot, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Michael Whatley, the current Republican National Committee chair, for the open Senate seat in North Carolina. This endorsement has sidelined his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who had been considered a likely contender for the seat since June 2025.
Lara Trump, who has gained a following through her role as a conservative commentator and former co-chair of the RNC, publicly confirmed on Thursday that she will not be entering the race. Her decision follows a conversation earlier this week where the former president expressed his preference for Whatley. Sources close to the matter indicated that Trump’s endorsement came after meticulous consideration of the political landscape and potential candidates.
The Senate seat, currently held by Republican Thom Tillis, became available after Tillis announced his retirement last month amid disagreements with Trump over key policy issues. Early speculation had focused on Lara Trump as a potential successor, especially given her familial ties and her frequent visits to North Carolina, where she holds significant public support.
However, Trump is said to believe that Whatley’s deep connections within the state and his national political stature make him a stronger candidate to face off against former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat expected to announce his candidacy imminently. Cooper, a two-term governor, is seen as a formidable opponent, possessing wide recognition and significant campaign resources.
Whatley, 57, has a robust political background in North Carolina politics, having served as chair of the state’s Republican Party before ascending to the national stage as RNC chair in March 2024. His re-election to this position in January 2025, alongside Lara Trump as co-chair, was seen as a strengthening of his national profile.
In her announcement, Lara Trump expressed her ongoing commitment to the “Make America Great Again” movement and indicated her intent to continue her work in the media with her weekly show on Fox News, “My View with Lara Trump.” Despite stepping back from a Senate run, she is expected to support Whatley’s campaign, maintaining their alliance that was instrumental during the 2024 election cycle resulting in significant Republican victories.
The decision to endorse Whatley arguably steers the Republican Party towards a less contentious primary season in North Carolina, a state Trump has won in his three presidential election campaigns. Party strategists believe Whatley’s national fundraising capabilities and established rapport with Trump could provide a strategic advantage.
Democrats, on the other hand, are eyeing the North Carolina seat as a critical target in their efforts to gain Senate seats in the 2026 midterms. The race is expected to attract significant national attention and funding, reflecting its high stakes.
Wiley Nickel, a former Democratic Congressman, has also thrown his hat into the ring, adding to the contest’s competitive nature.
According to sources, Whatley is poised to formally declare his candidacy within the next two weeks, a move that will trigger the need for Trump to select his replacement at the helm of the RNC.
With the general election set for November 3, 2026, both Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle, pivotal to the balance of power in the Senate.