Lara Trump is reportedly contemplating a bid for the U.S. Senate, with her sights set on the North Carolina seat that will be vacated by Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
This development follows Tillis's recent announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026, as reported by NBC News and Politico. The decision by Tillis, who has served two terms, opens the door for a potential new Republican contender in a state that has been a political battleground.
According to Straight Arrow News, the political landscape has been particularly dynamic, marked by President Donald Trump's promotion of his "Big Beautiful Bill" and a notable shift within the GOP's Senate ranks. The bill saw advancement with opposition from two Republican senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Following the vote, President Trump took to Truth Social to express his disapproval of Tillis, labeling him a "talker and complainer" who has "hurt the great people of North Carolina." Tillis's decision to step down was attributed to increasing polarization and a lack of bipartisanship in Washington, a move that President Trump described as "Great News."
The prospect of Lara Trump's candidacy gained traction when NBC White House Correspondent Vaughn Hillyard shared on X that she was considering a run, with sources suggesting her chances of entering the race were exceedingly high. Politico corroborated these reports, citing multiple Republican insiders who confirmed her serious contemplation of a campaign.
Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, has been a prominent figure in Republican circles, having served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee in 2024 and playing a pivotal role in fundraising and organizing the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
A Wilmington, North Carolina native, Lara Trump has long been involved in Republican politics. She was once considered as a potential replacement for former Florida Senator Marco Rubio when he was nominated for secretary of state, though she ultimately withdrew from consideration. Her political engagement has remained steadfast, and recent polling data underscores her potential appeal.
A Carolina Journal poll from May revealed Tillis's favorability rating at a mere 26.4% in his home state, while a Victory Insights poll from November 2024 showed Lara Trump leading a hypothetical GOP primary against Tillis with 64.7% to his 10.8%, leaving 24.5% undecided.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, the 2026 midterms will be pivotal for President Trump's ability to further his agenda in the latter half of his second term. The stakes are high, as 33 Senate seats will be contested, with Republicans defending 20, including the crucial North Carolina seat.
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