Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley entered the 2026 North Carolina Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Thom Tillis in expected costly battle.

Chair Michael Whatley has formally entered the North Carolina Senate race, setting up a likely faceoff against former Gov. Roy Cooper (D) in one of the most competitive contests next year. “I’m excited to announce my campaign for the U.

The decision sets the stage for what is likely to be a heavyweight battle between a behind-the-scenes political insider and a former governor with a knack for winning unaffiliated voters.