Lara Trump has opted not to run for U.S. Senate in North Carolina, deferring to RNC Chair Michael Whatley.

Whatley intends to run and would have the White House’s full support.

“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. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my home state whom I love so much,” Trump announced.

“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,” she added.

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Whatley’s expected run comes after Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., unexpectedly announced late last month that he would not seek re-election, making the race to fill the seat one to watch in the 2026 midterms.

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The RNC chair’s decision was first reported by Politico. An RNC spokesperson did not immediately provide a comment, and a White House official did not provide further details about Trump’s conversation with Whatley.

NBC News previously reported that former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, also plans to launch a Senate campaign. Whatley and Cooper are expected to be the top contenders in the high-stakes race in the battleground state.

Lara Trump had also been considering a run, and she told NBC News last week that she was hoping to make a decision by Thanksgiving.

Fox News is reporting Whatley will run for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina.

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POLITICO noted:

Whatley’s entry into the race sets up the prospect of a highly-competitive and well-funded election in a state where Democrats believe they have one of their best chances of picking up a Senate seat.

The president, the two people said, believes Whatley is well-positioned to take on former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to announce his candidacy to replace the retiring Sen. Thom Tillis.

Lara Trump, who the president had previously asked to run, has decided to remain as host of her weekly show on Fox News. She is expected to back Whatley, with whom she co-chaired the RNC last year, and the two will likely appear together in the near future, according to the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss the plans in advance.

A public announcement is expected in the next week to 10 days, they said.

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Trump is optimistic that Whatley, who ran the state party in North Carolina before becoming RNC chair, has the knowledge of the state, the national profile and the network of relationships to mount a strong campaign to replace Tillis, who announced his retirement last month after opposing the sweeping domestic policy agenda bill backed by the president.

Whatley was elected RNC chair in March 2024 and led the party alongside Lara Trump to sweeping victories up and down the ballot in last year’s elections.

 

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