Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, backed by top GOP leaders, launched his bid for North Carolina’s open Senate seat on Thursday. The unified support puts Whatley on the fast track to a general election matchup against former Gov.

A new poll of the North Carolina Senate election points to a close race between former Governor Roy Cooper and Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley in what is likely to be one of the most competitive of the 2026 midterms.

Chair Michael Whatley has formally entered the North Carolina Senate race, setting up a likely faceoff against former Gov. Roy Cooper (D) in one of the most competitive contests next year. “I’m excited to announce my campaign for the U.