# Michael Whatley

> Michael Whatley served as Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party and then as Chair of the Republican National Committee in 2024–2025. He is the Trump-endorsed Republican nominee.

## Key facts

- Party: Republican
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- Current office: Former Chair, Republican National Committee
- State: NC
- Race: North Carolina Senate 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: North Carolina
- Race rating: Lean Democratic
- Campaign website: https://www.michaelwhatley.com

## Biography

Michael Whatley is a North Carolina native who served as Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party before being elevated to Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee in 2024 alongside Lara Trump, and subsequently as Chair. He was endorsed by President Donald Trump for the North Carolina Senate race after Sen. Thom Tillis withdrew. Whatley won the Republican primary with 64.6% of the vote.

## Background

- Professional background: Political operative; Chair, North Carolina Republican Party; Chair, Republican National Committee (2024–2025)

## Opponents in this race

- [Michael Whatley](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-north-carolina-r-2026.md) — Republican
- [Roy Cooper](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/roy-cooper-north-carolina-d-2026.md) — Democrat
- [Roy Cooper](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/roy-cooper-nc-2026.md) — Democratic

## Sources

- Michael Whatley — Official Campaign Website: https://www.michaelwhatley.com/
- Michael Whatley — Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Whatley

Last updated: 2026-06-15T19:51:22.456Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-nc-2026
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