Michael Whatley, a North Carolina native, is leaving his role as chairman of the Republican National Committee to run for Senate. He previously led the state’s Republican Party before Trump picked him to lead the national committee in 2024.

Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans.

Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

Lara Trump, President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, had been rumored as a possible Republican candidate for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.

Democrats see 2026 as a chance to flip one of North Carolina's U.S. Senate seats for the first time in years. Republicans want a new senator who will be more loyal to President Donald Trump.

Whatley Health Services wants kids to be ready for back-to-school. They passed out back-to-school supplies Saturday. The giveaway was at the Whatley center on Tuscaloosa's west side. The goal is to help people in the community while letting them know what Whatley Health is all about.

North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race is coming into focus as former Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to run and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, backed by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership,