Republican Michael Whatley enters US Senate race in North Carolina

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee and former NCGOP chair, officially announced Thursday that he is running for the US Senate from North Carolina.

Standing before a crowd at the Loray Mill Taproom in Gastonia, Whatley launched his campaign with the promise to “put America First and deliver conservative victories for North Carolina families.” The announcement marks the entry of a high-profile Republican into what is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races in 2026.

Whatley, who resides in Gaston County with his wife Suzanne and their three children, has not run for office before, but has been at the forefront of keeping North Carolina in President Trump’s corner for the last three presidential elections.

“I am very proud today to announce that with the complete and total endorsement of President Trump, I am running to be the next senator from the great state of North Carolina,“ he told the Gastonia crowd.

Raised in Blowing Rock, in Watauga County, Whatley is the son of a librarian and accountant. He holds degrees from UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest University, and the University of Notre Dame, where he earned both a law degree and a master’s in theology.

His career includes serving as chief of staff to US Sen. Elizabeth Dole and as a senior official at the Department of Energy. After Trump’s 2016 victory, Whatley helped lead the presidential transition teams for energy, environment, and agriculture, shaping policies that became key to the administration’s economic strategy.

Most recently, Whatley was tapped by Trump to co-chair the Republican National Committee, helping lead the GOP’s efforts in the 2024 election cycle. He previously served as chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, focused on building the party’s grassroots organization.

“Whatley is exactly the kind of conservative leader North Carolina needs — tough, tested, and committed to putting America First,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the representative of North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. “He’s a battle-tested conservative who will fight for working families, help deliver President Trump’s agenda, and stand up to the Swamp.”

Senate Leadership Fund Chairman Cory Gardner also praised Whatley’s candidacy, calling his leadership “instrumental” in the GOP’s 2024 victories and promising the group’s full support.

Democrats responded swiftly to the news. Lauren French, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, dismissed Whatley’s bid, saying simply, “Welcome to the race. You’re going to lose.”

Whatley will likely face former Gov. Roy Cooper in the November 2026 midterms. Cooper announced his candidacy on Monday. This week’s announcements indicate that the two major parties have attempted to clear the primary field for them. Former congressman Wiley Nickel, a Democrat, had announced his run, but this week bowed out while endorsing Cooper.

Cooper enters the race with strong name recognition and high approval ratings. He faces challenges after leading state government through more than 800 days of an extended “state of emergency,” COVID lockdowns, and public outcry over botched hurricane responses. Cooper has strong fundraising experience, though, and deep party connections at the national level. His campaign already has raised more than $3.5 million in the first week of the campaign.

Whatley has deep connections in the GOP with support coming from both the traditional and Trump-centric wings of the party. He presented his case Thursday as being fundamentally opposite of Cooper.

“A healthy robust economy, safe kids and communities, and a strong America — these are the North Carolina values that I will champion every day,” he said. “On the other hand, Roy Cooper is offering North Carolina voters an extreme radical-left ideology, open borders, inflationary spending, and a weak America.”

Despite his high profile among the party faithful, Whatley faces the challenge of introducing himself to the majority of North Carolinians, some of whom outright reject the ethos that defines Donald Trump’s political brand.

Some expect the race to top $750 million in campaign spending by the time November 2026 rolls around. It sets up a high-stakes clash that could ultimately determine control of the US Senate. North Carolina’s political balance has tilted red in recent federal elections, and both parties are expected to pour significant resources into the contest.

The post Republican Michael Whatley enters US Senate race in North Carolina first appeared on Carolina Journal.

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