Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has officially launched his campaign for North Carolina’s open 2026 Senate seat, securing an early and significant endorsement from former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest.

Whatley expressed profound gratitude and enthusiasm as he formally commenced his Senate bid, stating he was “humbled and excited” to embark on this journey and would be honored to earn the vote, support, and prayers of North Carolina citizens in the upcoming United States Senate race.

His campaign immediately gained considerable momentum following President Trump’s unequivocal backing, as the former president had previously conveyed his “complete and total endorsement” for Michael Whatley in a public statement on Truth Social, contingent upon his entry into the North Carolina Senate contest.

Senator John Thune, a prominent Republican figure, lauded Michael Whatley’s tenure leading the RNC, acknowledging his exceptional performance through periods of historic campaign successes and expressing excitement about endorsing him for North Carolina’s next U.S. Senator, emphasizing Whatley’s strong conservative voice.

Further amplifying the bipartisan support, Senator Tim Scott affirmed his confidence in Michael Whatley’s ability to secure victory in North Carolina, highlighting Whatley as a staunch America First conservative and champion for the Tar Heel State, crucial for maintaining Republican control of the United States Senate in 2026.

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson also released a statement commending Michael Whatley as precisely the kind of conservative leader North Carolina needs: tough, tested, and steadfastly committed to prioritizing America First principles, recognizing his success in building a formidable state Republican Party.

The 2026 North Carolina Senate race is projected to be intensely competitive, drawing significant attention from both national parties, with incumbent Republican North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis expected to defend his seat amidst a challenging political landscape.

On the Democratic side, former two-term North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is reportedly eyeing the open Senate seat, positioning himself as a leading contender poised to consolidate the Democratic field after former Democratic North Carolina Representative Wiley Nickel recently suspended his own Senate campaign.