Lara Trump won't run for North Carolina senate seat

• Lara Trump's connection to the president would have made her a highly competitive candidate in a swing state like North Carolina, giving Republicans a boost in a race that could be a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats in 2026.
• Senate Democrats are expecting former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to announce his run for the seat next Monday, launching a well-known candidate with a competitive state-wide profile into the race.

What they're saying: "After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time," Lara wrote in a post on X.

• "While I am not running in this election, my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly, and I look forward to the future, wherever that leads."
• Neither Whatley nor the RNC immediately responded to Axios' request for comment.

What's next: Whatley is expected to announce his candidacy for the seat "in the next week to 10 days," according to Politico.

• Whatley previously led the state's Republican Party prior to becoming the RNC co-chair with Lara Trump.
• President Trump is expected to pick a replacement for RNC chair around the same time that Whatley formally announces his campaign.

Go deeper: Senate Democrats buoyed by Cooper's decision to run

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.