Conservatives have mixed emotions about this.
In a dramatic shake-up within the Republican ranks, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is now expected to enter the 2026 North Carolina Senate race—just as Lara Trump confirms she will not run.
Whatley, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has served as RNC Chair since March 2024. His expected candidacy signals a clear continuation of the MAGA movement’s momentum heading into a critical election cycle. According to reports, Whatley would likely face off against former Democrat Governor Roy Cooper, who is preparing to launch his own Senate bid in the coming days.
North Carolina Emerges as a Key 2026 Battleground
With the retirement of Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), North Carolina becomes one of the most hotly contested Senate races in the country. Democrats have made it clear—they’re targeting this seat as a top pickup opportunity in their efforts to reclaim control of the U.S. Senate.
Tillis, a two-term senator who took office in 2015, announced he will not seek re-election following a high-profile feud with President Trump. The clash centered on Tillis’ opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a signature piece of legislation in Trump’s America First agenda.
Lara Trump: “My Passion for Making America Great Again Burns Brightly”
With Tillis stepping down, speculation swirled around Lara Trump—born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. Many conservatives hoped she would run and carry on the Trump family legacy in the Senate.
Lara, who served as RNC co-chair alongside Whatley, addressed the rumors in a heartfelt message posted to social media.
“After many heartfelt discussions with my family and close friends, I have decided not to run for Senate in North Carolina,” she wrote. “But my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly.”
This marks the second time she’s declined to run for Senate, after previously passing on North Carolina’s 2022 race and a Florida seat that opened when President Trump appointed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Instead, Lara Trump continues to be a powerful voice in the conservative movement. She hosts My View on Fox News, where she interviews leading Republicans, including her father-in-law and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Michael Whatley: Trump Loyalist with Proven Track Record
Whatley, widely respected among grassroots conservatives, chaired the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024. His unwavering support for Trump—including efforts to challenge the 2020 election results—earned him national recognition and the top spot at the RNC.
Behind closed doors, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has been working for months to identify a strong contender to keep North Carolina red. According to insiders, Whatley quickly emerged as the frontrunner.
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who chairs the NRSC, personally met with Whatley. Internal polling reportedly shows that a Trump-aligned candidate would give Republicans the best chance to retain the seat.
Republicans Face Crucial Senate Battle in 2026
With 22 Republican-held Senate seats on the ballot in 2026, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The GOP currently holds a 53–47 majority in the upper chamber, but Democrats are hungry for a comeback.
North Carolina is particularly vulnerable after the GOP’s embarrassing loss in last year’s governor’s race. Republican candidate Mark Robinson was hammered by a wave of personal scandals that the media amplified relentlessly.
Now, Republicans are looking to rebound—and Whatley may be the candidate to do it.
The Future of the America First Movement
The 2026 midterms will be a defining moment for the America First movement and President Trump’s political legacy. With Lara Trump stepping aside, Michael Whatley could step up as the next great conservative leader to defend the values that matter most to patriotic Americans: border security, election integrity, economic freedom, and a government that puts Americans first.
Stay tuned—North Carolina is about to become the front line in the battle for the soul of the U.S. Senate.
