RNC Chair Officially Announces North Carolina Senate Run With Trump’s Backing

Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Michael Whatley officially announced on Thursday that he is running in North Carolina’s open 2026 Senate race.

Whatley announced his candidacy in a statement posted to X, writing that he is “humbled and excited” to begin his Senate campaign and “would be honored to earn your vote, your support, and your prayers.” Whatley has already received the backing of President Donald Trump, who wrote in a July 24 post to Truth Social that the RNC chairman would have his “complete and total endorsement” if he jumped into the North Carolina Senate race.

Additionally, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Tim Scott both released statements posted to X on Thursday endorsing Whatley in the upcoming race.

“Michael Whatley has done an exceptional job leading the Republican National Committee through historic campaign successes, and I’m excited to endorse him in his bid to become North Carolina’s next U.S. Senator,” Thune wrote in his statement. “Michael is a strong conservative voice committed to fighting for North Carolina and will be a crucial part of our growing Senate Republican majority.”

Scott wrote in his statement that Whatley is a “strong America First conservative.”

“Like President Donald J. Trump, Michael Whatley knows how to win North Carolina. He’s a strong America First conservative and a champion for the Tar Heel State, so I’m confident we will keep the seat in Republican hands,” Scott added. “With Michael in the race and running to win, I know we will protect President Trump’s Senate Majority in 2026.”