Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

A North Carolina native, Whatley led the state's GOP before he was selected by President Trump to lead the RNC in 2024.

Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans.

A race between Roy Cooper and Gastonia resident Michael Whatley could prove to be “as close to a toss-up as exists in American politics."

Several sources tell CBS News that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to run for Senate in North Carolina next year. CBS News executive director for the White House and politics,

Politics New RNC chair Michael Whatley pushes early voting by mail at NY GOP gala By Diana Nerozzi Published April 5, 2024, 1:07 p.m. ET

OXON HILL, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Whatley speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel ...

Former Governor Roy Cooper has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, joining Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley in what is expected to be a costly campaign.