President Donald Trump has decided to support Michael Whatley for North Carolina’s open Senate seat, effectively passing over his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for the position she had been considering since June 2025.
Lara Trump announced Thursday morning, July 24, that she would not pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina. Her decision came after Trump conveyed his support for Whatley, the current Republican National Committee chair, in a direct discussion this week according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Senate seat became available after Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced his retirement late last month following his opposition to Trump’s sweeping domestic policy agenda bill. Tillis had clashed with the President over the One Big Beautiful Bill and subsequently announced he would not run again in the 2026 elections.
Trump had previously expressed strong support for his daughter-in-law’s potential candidacy. Earlier this month, he told reporters that Lara Trump would be great in the position and described her as his first choice. The President noted that while she does not currently live in North Carolina, she visits frequently and knows the state well.
However, two sources familiar with Trump’s decision told reporters that the President believes Whatley is well-positioned to take on former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who is expected to announce his Democratic candidacy for the seat. Trump reportedly views Whatley as having the knowledge of the state, national profile and network of relationships necessary to mount a strong campaign.
Whatley, 57, served as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party before becoming RNC chair in March 2024. He was elected to lead the party alongside co-chair Lara Trump and was reelected to the position in January 2025. The President is optimistic that Whatley’s connections with major party donors will help him secure the seat for Republicans in what is expected to be one of the most expensive races in the 2026 elections.
Lara Trump indicated in her announcement that she remains committed to Making America Great Again and looks forward to the future. She expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support she received from people in her home state. The former RNC co-chair has decided to continue hosting her weekly Fox News show “My View with Lara Trump,” which began airing in February 2025.
The collaboration between Whatley and Lara Trump is expected to continue, as she is anticipated to back his candidacy. The two previously worked together as co-chairs of the RNC during the 2024 election cycle, which resulted in sweeping Republican victories. They are likely to appear together publicly in the near future to demonstrate party unity.
Senator Tim Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, met with Whatley about a potential run. The NRSC had been floating Whatley as a possible replacement for Tillis since January 2025, months before the incumbent announced his retirement plans.
Trump’s endorsement of Whatley is expected to prevent a divisive primary in North Carolina, a state the President won in the past three presidential elections. Republican strategists close to Trump had suggested Whatley would be the preferred candidate due to his national fundraising profile and established relationship with the President.
Democrats view the North Carolina seat as one of their best opportunities to pick up a Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections. Cooper is expected to formally announce his candidacy as soon as Monday, with sources indicating he has already begun preparing for what will likely be a highly competitive and well-funded race.
Former Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel has already announced his entry into the race. Trump acknowledged that the North Carolina seat will present challenges for any Republican candidate and recognized that Cooper will be a formidable opponent given his popularity as a two-term governor.
Whatley is expected to formally announce his candidacy within the next week to 10 days. Trump will need to announce Whatley’s replacement at the RNC around the time the Senate campaign is officially launched. One source familiar with Trump’s thinking noted that Whatley “has earned his shot” through his leadership during the successful 2024 election cycle.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with both parties preparing for what is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched and expensive Senate races of the midterm cycle.
