# Michael Whatley

> Michael Whatley is the Chairman of the Republican National Committee and former Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. He is an attorney and political operative who has been involved in Republican Party politics for decades. He is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina in 2026.

## Key facts

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

## Background

- Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law.
- Professional background: Attorney; energy industry executive; political operative.
- Public service: Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party; Co-Chairman and then Chairman, Republican National Committee.
- Military service: None

## Opponents in this race

- [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
- [Michael Whatley](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-nc-2026.md) — Republican

## Sources

- Official Campaign Website – Michael Whatley: https://whatleyforsenate.com/

Last updated: 2026-07-19T20:28:46.422Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/michael-whatley-north-carolina-r-2026
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