NRSC, John Thune endorse RNC Chair Michael Whatley in NC Senate race

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley appears poised to cruise to the Republican nomination for North Carolina Senate, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Majority Leader John Thune throwing their support behind him for the post.

Whatley is running to replace Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is not seeking reelection. He previously led the NC GOP before leading the party at the national level during the successful 2024 Trump campaign.

He has already received President Donald Trump's support and will likely face former Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C., in a general election. The state has skewed towards the GOP since it last broke for President Barack Obama in 2008.

"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," said Leader Thune. "Michael is a strong conservative voice committed to fighting for North Carolina and will be a crucial part of our growing Senate Republican majority."