Trump backs Michael Whatley, Mike Rogers for open Senate seats in 2026

President Donald Trump on Thursday night doled out his latest string of endorsements for next year's midterms, including endorsements for former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and former Michigan GOP Rep. Mike Rogers.

Rogers kicked off his Senate bid earlier this year, hoping to replace outgoing Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Whatley, currently the chairman of the RNC, has not officially announced his run for a Senate seat in North Carolina but is expected to do so soon.

Trump lauded Rogers as an "American First Patriot," and stated he had his "complete and total endorsement." 

"From the U.S. Army to Congress, Mike has served our Nation with distinction, and will bring that same Fighting Spirit to the U.S. Senate," Trump praised in a post on Truth Social. "As your next Senator, Mike will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE by keeping the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!), Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!) Southern Border, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

Rogers thanked the president for his endorsement and promised to "unleash a great revival in the state of Michigan."

“He knows that we have what it takes to win this seat and deliver real results for hard-working families," Rogers said of Trump. "For 32 years, Michigan’s left-wing leaders have failed families and failed our state. It’s time for a voice in the Senate that represents real Michigan values."

"Together, President Trump [and] I will unleash a great revival in the state of Michigan—one that helps families get back up on their feet, strengthens our schools, reduces violent crime, and sparks a renaissance of manufacturing. We’re going to Make America–and Michigan–Great Again."

The Michigan Senate race is considered one of the most competitive in 2026, and could be prove major victory for Republicans, who are hoping to expand their majority in the upper chamber.

Trump also stated that he believes Whatley would make an "unbelievable Senator from North Carolina," highlighting his role in helping energize projects like sending relief to North Carolina after it was devastated by storms.

"He is fantastic at everything he does, and he was certainly great at the RNC where, in the Presidential Election, we won every Swing State, the Popular Vote, and the Electoral College by a landslide," Trump said of Whatley. "But I have a mission for my friends in North Carolina, and that is to get Michael Whatley to run for the U.S. Senate."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.