President Donald Trump has shifted his support from daughter-in-law Lara Trump to Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley for North Carolina’s open Senate seat, marking a significant change in the family’s political dynamics. The move comes after Lara Trump announced on July 24 that she would not pursue the Senate race.
Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, confirmed her decision in a statement posted on social media Thursday morning. She indicated that after much consideration and heartfelt discussions with her family, friends, and supporters, she decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time. The former RNC co-chair expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support she received from people in her home state.
Trump had previously identified Lara Trump as his preferred candidate for the position. Earlier this month, the President told reporters that she would be his “first choice” for the seat, noting that while she does not currently live in the state, she visits frequently and knows North Carolina well through her family connections there.
Following Lara Trump’s withdrawal, President Trump quickly endorsed Whatley for the Senate race in a July 24 social media post. Sources familiar with the matter reported that Trump conveyed his support directly to Whatley during a conversation earlier in the week. The President declared that he needs Whatley in Washington, signaling the importance he places on having a loyal supporter in the Senate.
Whatley, 57, is expected to formally announce his candidacy within the next week to 10 days, according to sources with knowledge of his plans. The RNC chair previously served as chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party before assuming his current national role in March 2024. He was reelected to lead the RNC in January.
The Senate seat became available after Republican incumbent Thom Tillis announced in late June that he would not seek reelection in 2026. Tillis’ decision came after he voted against and criticized Trump’s comprehensive domestic policy legislation, which includes significant tax cuts alongside reductions to Medicaid funding. The Senator expressed concerns that the bill would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, particularly affecting hospitals and rural communities.
Trump had previously threatened to endorse any Republican challenger against Tillis in the upcoming primary after the Senator opposed his legislative priorities. The conflict between Trump and Tillis created an opening that initially seemed tailored for a Trump family member to fill.
This marks the third time Lara Trump has considered but ultimately decided against a Senate run. She initially contemplated entering the Republican primary to replace North Carolina Senator Richard Burr when he retired in 2022 but withdrew from consideration. More recently, Trump briefly considered nominating her to fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat after he became Secretary of State, but publicly withdrew her name from consideration two weeks later.
Lara Trump resigned from her position as RNC co-chair in December 2024, which had fueled speculation about her political ambitions. Since leaving the committee, she has focused on her entertainment career, hosting a talk show called “My View with Lara Trump” on the Fox News Channel, which began in February. She has also pursued music, releasing Christian pop singles.
Whatley’s expected candidacy positions him as the likely Republican nominee, given Trump’s endorsement and his established relationships within the party. Sources indicate that Trump believes Whatley’s connections with major donors and his knowledge of North Carolina politics make him well-positioned for the race. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott has already met with Whatley about a potential run.
The race is expected to be highly competitive, with former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper anticipated to announce his Democratic candidacy as early as Monday. Cooper, who served two terms as governor, is considered a formidable opponent in the battleground state. He has already criticized Trump’s tax legislation, arguing that it hurts working families, seniors, children, and veterans while providing tax breaks for wealthy Americans.
North Carolina represents one of the most competitive Senate races in the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, making every contested seat crucial for maintaining control. Trump won North Carolina in the 2024 presidential election with just over 50 percent of the vote, but Democrats view Tillis’ retirement as an opportunity to flip the seat.
The November 3, 2026 election will determine not only the Senate seat but also influence Republicans’ ability to advance Trump’s legislative agenda during his presidency. With Trump’s endorsement secured and his political machinery behind him, Whatley enters the race as the presumptive Republican nominee, setting up what promises to be one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the midterm cycle.
