There are some very important elections coming up. The GOP wants to be sure they’re prepared for all outcomes.
And this Trump election announcement has the Republican Party scrambling to pick up the pieces.
A blockbuster showdown is brewing in North Carolina’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, with Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley stepping into the spotlight as a top GOP contender. This follows Lara Trump’s decision to sit out the race, setting the stage for a high-octane clash, according to a recent Politico report
Whatley Takes on Cooper
Whatley, who has steered the RNC since March 2024, is gearing up to challenge former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to launch his campaign soon.
Political insiders predict a fierce contest, with Democrats eyeing North Carolina as a golden opportunity to snag a Senate seat in the 2026 midterms. Sen. Susan Collins’ (R-Maine) seat is also one that the Democrats believe they can snag.
The seat opened up when Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced last month he would not run again, following a public spat with President Trump over his opposition to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Since 2015, Tillis has occupied the seat.
Lara Trump Opts Out
Buzz initially swirled around Lara Trump, a Wilmington native and former RNC co-chair, as a potential candidate. On Thursday, she confirmed she would not run, citing “heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters.”
In an X post, she shared, “I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my home state whom I love so much.” She added, “While I am not running in this election, my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly, and I look forward to the future, wherever that leads.”
After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time.
— Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) July 24, 2025
I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my… pic.twitter.com/zL3I8fFzO6
Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, previously opted out of a 2022 North Carolina Senate race and a Florida Senate bid after President Trump picked Marco Rubio for secretary of state.
She currently hosts “My View” on Fox News, interviewing heavyweights like President Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Whatley’s Political Playbook
Whatley brings a robust political resume to the race. Before leading the RNC, he chaired the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024, earning Trump’s favor by supporting efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. His deep roots in the state and alignment with Trump’s vision make him a strong contender.
GOP Scrambles to Hold the Seat
Republicans have been hustling to secure a formidable candidate to hold the seat, especially after a rough 2024 in North Carolina. Even though President Trump won the state in November, the GOP’s gubernatorial candidate, Mark Robinson, was sidelined by scandals.
Since January, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), led Tim Scott, has quietly pushed Whatley as a contender, per what a GOP source told the New York Post. That same source explained that Scott met with Whatley, and internal polls suggest a Trump-aligned candidate has the best shot at victory in 2026.
With Republicans holding a 53–47 Senate edge, they must defend 22 of the 35 seats in 2026. Midterms typically challenge the party in power, but Senate races can buck that trend, making North Carolina a critical battleground.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
