Donald Trump backs Michael Whatley after Lara Trump passes on NC race
More: Where did Trump's children go to college? See which schools they attended
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis opted not to seek re-election in 2026 after he announced his opposition to Trump's signature tax legislation, criticizing the bill's cuts to Medicaid. Whatley would give Trump a staunch supporter in the Senate if he wins, with the president declaring, "I need him in Washington."
Whatley hasn't announced his plans, but is expected to run for the seat, according to media reports. Trump also endorsed a replacement for Whatley to chair the RNC, Florida state senator and former Florida GOP chair Joe Gruters.
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Gruters is a longtime Trump supporter who co-chaired the president's 2016 campaign in Florida with current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
"I'm looking forward to advancing President Trump's America First agenda as the next chair of the RNC," Gruters said in a statement.
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North Carolina is a pivotal battleground state and the Senate race is one of the premier contests of the upcoming midterm elections, which will decide if Republicans maintain control of Congress and the ability to enact Trump's agenda. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Democrats are expected to closely contest the North Carolina race. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is considered a top potential Democratic candidate.
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