Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, is leaving his role as chairman of the Republican National Committee to run for Senate. He previously led the state’s Republican Party before Trump picked him to lead the national committee in 2024.

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 will be at the center of the 2026 midterm elections, with a marquee U.S. Senate race that’s expected to attract big names given the high stakes for the balance of power in the federal government.

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

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,

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

Democrats wasted no time Thursday attacking the RNC chairman for his loyalty to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his support of President Donald Trump’s policies.

Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans.