The political landscape in North Carolina is undergoing a seismic shift, with the recent announcement from Senator Thom Tillis that he will not seek a third term in 2026.
This news, coupled with President Trump's endorsement of the decision, has set the conservative circles abuzz with speculation about potential successors.
According to RedState, following Tillis' retirement announcement, rumors began to circulate that Lara Lea Trump, former RNC co-chair and a native of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, was considering a run for the Senate seat.
The President himself weighed in on the speculation, stating that his daughter-in-law, who currently hosts a weekend program on Fox News, would be a "great" choice. "[She] would always be my first choice, but she doesnt live there now," he added.
However, in a recent turn of events, Mrs. Trump has confirmed that she will not be pursuing the Senate seat. In a statement, she said, "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."
In a related development, it has been reported that President Trump is backing RNC chairman Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, in his decision to run for the Senate seat. This decision is expected to be officially announced in the coming days. As reported by POLITICO, two individuals familiar with the matter stated, "Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley will run for Senate in North Carolina and will have the blessing of President Donald Trump after his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, opted not to seek the seat."
Trump is optimistic about Whatley's candidacy, believing that his understanding of the state, his national profile, and his network of relationships will enable him to mount a strong campaign to replace Tillis. Republicans are confident that Whatley's connections with donors will be a significant advantage in what is expected to be one of the most expensive races in next year's elections.
Whatley, who previously led the state party in North Carolina before becoming RNC chair, played a crucial role in the North Carolina statewide red wave of 2022, when the national red wave fell short of expectations.
The news of Whatley's potential candidacy comes amidst reports that former NC Governor Roy Cooper (D) is preparing to run for the Senate. According to two individuals briefed on the decision, "Roy Cooper, the Democratic former governor of North Carolina, is planning to announce a run for Senate as early as next week, giving Democrats a significant boost in one of the key races of 2026."
Despite the Democrats' optimism, Whatley's entry into the race and his extensive knowledge of North Carolina's history and future needs promise a fierce battle. Furthermore, the political ads against Cooper in North Carolina are expected to be unlike anything he has experienced during his two terms as governor.
The conservative press in North Carolina, which has been largely compliant with the left-wing, is expected to scrutinize Cooper's tenure more closely in the coming months as the race intensifies.
As the political chessboard in North Carolina continues to evolve, it is clear that the upcoming Senate race will be one to watch.
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