Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, shakes President Trump's hand during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in 2024. Photo: Rebecca Noble/Getty Images
Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, officially joined the race to fill North Carolina's open Senate seat next year.
Why it matters: The Gastonia resident, who previously led the North Carolina GOP, has the backing of President Trump and will likely face former Gov. Roy Cooper in one of the most expensive races of the cycle.
Behind closed doors: National Republican leaders had given Lara Trump, Trump's daughter-in-law and a North Carolina native who had considered running, the right of first refusal.
But after Lara Trump indicated she was leaning against entering the race, attention turned toward Whatley, who President Trump handpicked to lead the Republican National Committee, Axios previously reported.
Now, both the Democrats and Republicans have seemingly consolidated the fields to avoid competitive primaries.
Former Rep. Wiley Nickel dropped out of the Senate race this week and endorsed Cooper.
In the Republican race, other candidates include Andy Nilsson, a former candidate for lieutenant governor, and Don Brown, who previously ran for Congress.
