RNC's Michael Whatley wins North Carolina Republican Senate primary

Whatley won the nomination with 64% of the vote as of publishing time. He will face off against former North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in November's midterms.

By Misty Severi

Published: March 3, 2026 8:55pm

Updated: March 3, 2026 8:57pm

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley won his primary race in North Carolina Tuesday night, becoming the GOP nominee for Republican Sen. Thom Tillis' seat.

Tillis announced last year that he was not seeking reelection and would retire this November. Whatley and former RNC co-chair Lara Trump were considered favorites to replace him, but only Whatley announced his bid.

Whatley won the nomination with 64% of the vote as of publishing time, according to the Associated Press. He will face off against former North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in November's midterms.

"Thank you North Carolina!

I’m honored to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina," Whatley posted on X.
"Republicans are united. Now the real fight begins.

This November, North Carolina voters will have a choice: Safer Communities, Secure Borders, More Jobs and Lower Costs or Roy Cooper's failed record.

Let’s win."