President Donald Trump has chosen to support Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley for North Carolina’s open Senate seat over his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, marking a significant political shift after Trump initially indicated she would be his preferred candidate for the position.
Lara Trump announced on July 24, 2025, that she would not pursue the Senate seat, stating in a social media post that after much consideration and discussions with family, friends, and supporters, she decided against running at this time. The former RNC co-chair, who is married to Eric Trump, expressed gratitude for encouragement from her home state and indicated her passion for Making America Great Again remains strong.
The decision came after President Trump conveyed his support for Whatley in a direct conversation this week, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump reportedly told reporters earlier this month that Lara Trump would be “great” in the position and would always be his first choice, noting that while she does not currently live in North Carolina, she knows the state well and visits frequently.
Whatley launched his campaign July 31, and received endorsements from both Trump and his daughter-in-law, according to multiple reports. The RNC chair previously served as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024, during which time he gained favor with Trump by supporting efforts to contest the 2020 election results.
The Senate seat became available after Senator Thom Tillis announced in late June that he would not seek reelection in 2026. Tillis made his decision after a notable dispute with President Trump regarding his stance against the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which led Trump to pledge his backing for any Republican opponent in the upcoming primary. Rather than face such a challenge, Tillis opted to retire after holding the seat since 2015.
This marks the third time Lara Trump has considered but ultimately declined a Senate run. She previously passed on opportunities in North Carolina in 2022 and in Florida after Marco Rubio vacated his seat to become Secretary of State. In both instances, she cited family considerations, particularly her two young children, as factors in her decision.
Sources indicated that Republican operatives had been quietly floating Whatley as a potential contender since January, with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott personally meeting with him about the possibility. According to internal surveys, a Republican candidate who supports Trump was seen as having the strongest chance of winning the seat.
The president also endorsed Florida state senator Joe Gruters to replace Whatley as RNC chair. Gruters, a longtime Trump supporter who co-chaired the president’s 2016 campaign in Florida alongside current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, expressed enthusiasm about advancing Trump’s America First agenda in the role.
Republicans view Whatley’s candidacy favorably due to his connections to major party donors and his experience in North Carolina politics. Trump reportedly expressed optimism that these connections would help secure the seat for Republicans in what is expected to be a competitive race.
Democrats are gearing up for a strong campaign to win the seat, seeing it as one of their top chances to gain ground in the 2026 midterm elections. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Monday announced his candidacy, with sources indicating he plans to launch his campaign in the coming days. Cooper, a popular two-term governor who was once considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in 2024, would likely serve as the Democratic frontrunner.
Former Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel has already announced his entry into the race, though Cooper is viewed as the more formidable potential candidate given his statewide electoral success and appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters.
Since leaving her RNC co-chair position in December 2024, Lara Trump has focused on her media career, hosting “My View with Lara Trump” on Fox News Channel and pursuing a Christian music career. She released her sixth Christian pop single just days before announcing her decision not to run for Senate.
The 2026 North Carolina Senate race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm elections, with Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate and Democrats seeking to regain control. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and the outcome could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress during Trump’s second term.