Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race is coming into focus as former Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to run and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, backed by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership,

Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, is leaving his role as chairman of the Republican National Committee to run for Senate. Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, is leaving his role as chairman of the Republican National Committee to run for Senate.

His entry will pave the way for a marquee contest in 2026, with former Gov. Roy Cooper planning to seek the Democratic nomination.

A North Carolina native, Whatley led the state's GOP before he was selected by President Trump to lead the RNC in 2024.

Lara Trump, President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, had been rumored as a possible Republican candidate for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.