Whatley, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee, announced his run at Loray Mill Event Hall. Last week, WRAL News in Raleigh reported he had the full support of the White House as President Donald Trump's daughter, Lara Trump, opted to stay out of the race.

Michael Whatley announced Thursday afternoon that he is running for the U.S. senate seat currently occupied by Thom Tillis.

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.