Pat Harrigan, Michael Whatley, Lara Trump: Republicans in run to fill Thom Tillis' North Carolina seat
'In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species,' Tillis said in a lengthy statement on Sunday.
'Sometimes those bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble with my own party, but I wouldn't have changed a single one." Breakdown of candidates that could replace Sen Thom Tillis
Speculated GOP contenders include Rep Richard Hudson, former Rep Patrick McHenry, Lara Trump, RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Rep Pat Harrigan, and Rep Addison McDowell. Rep Richard Hudson
US Representative for North Carolina's 9th District (2013–present), born November 4, 1971, in Franklin, Virginia, and a Charlotte resident since childhood. A UNC-Charlotte graduate, Hudson served as district director for Rep Robin Hayes and chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee (2023–2026).
Hudson's re-election announcement for his House seat in 2026 suggested he's not currently eyeing Tillis's seat, but reports indicate that he might change his mind. Former Rep Patrick McHenry
Served as US Representative for North Carolina's 10th District (2005–2025), born October 22, 1975. McHenry chaired the House Financial Services Committee (2023–2025) and briefly acted as Speaker pro tempore in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy's ousting. He retired in 2025, citing family priorities.
McHenry's decade-long tenure and interim Speaker role give him name recognition, but no formal Senate candidacy has been announced. Lara Trump
Former RNC co-chair (2024–2025), born October 12, 1982, in Wilmington, NC, and daughter-in-law of Donald Trump. A Victory Insights poll (November 2024) showed her leading Tillis 65% to 11% in a hypothetical primary. RNC Chair Michael Whatley
RNC chairman since March 2024, born in Watauga County, NC. He led the North Carolina GOP (2019–2024) and served as RNC general counsel, backing Trump's 2020 election fraud claims. Rep Pat Harrigan
US Representative for North Carolina's 10th District (2025–present), a former Green Beret and firearms manufacturer, born in 1979. He won McHenry's open seat in 2024. Rep Addison McDowell
US Representative for North Carolina's 6th District (2025–present), a political newcomer and former aide to Rep Richard Hudson and Sen Ted Budd. Trump-endorsed, he won an open seat in 2024.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
9 minutes ago
- Hans India
Trade diversification may help India tame US tariff impact
US President Donald Trump's decision to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods threatens to put $30-35 billion worth of exports to the United States at risk, a move that could shave almost a full percentage point off India's GDP growth over the next two years. Economists warn that the impact will be deep and widespread, hitting sectors already struggling with global demand uncertainties and forcing businesses to rethink their export strategies. The Narendra Modi government's response to the situation should reflect poise and pragmatism, not anger. Indian banks are increasing scrutiny of new loan applications from exporters by asking about exposure to the American market and contingency plans for coping with Trump's steep tariffs, as reported by Bloomberg. On the ground, stress is already visible. In Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur, the country's knitwear hub, exporters say orders are 'being paused, redirected, or lost entirely to competitors from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia, all of whom have lower US tariffs ranging between 19 per cent and 36 per cent,' according to a news report. The blow is no less severe in Surat, the world's diamond-cutting capital. Several companies were forced to halt processing orders for American clients that had already begun for the Christmas season. Trump's announcement of the additional 25 per cent tariff on diamonds from India came as a shock, particularly because the festive period—just five months away—accounts for nearly half of the annual international sales for many businesses. Industry experts predict that exports of non-industrial diamonds—those intended for jewellery or investment—will be particularly hard hit. According to the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India supplied 68 per cent of the US's total diamond imports by volume and 42 per cent by value ($5.79 billion) in 2024. Given such a dominant position, even a partial loss of market share could translate into billions in lost revenue and the potential shuttering of thousands of polishing and cutting units. The Modi government has sought to reassure exporters by promising measures to soften the impact of the new US tariffs. However, such pledges are easier made than fulfilled. Trade diversification to other markets may help in the medium term, but replacing the sheer scale and value of the US market will be challenging. Furthermore, the government's recent geopolitical tilt towards Russia and China—driven by political compulsions—risks complicating efforts to restore trade warmth with Washington. This strategic shift is particularly troubling. While engaging with multiple global partners is a sensible long-term objective, the US remains one of India's most significant economic partners, especially in high-value manufacturing, services, and technology. Deterioration in bilateral economic relations now will only magnify the damage from the tariffs. Rather than recalibrating India's foreign policy in ways that alienate Washington, a more prudent and pragmatic approach would be to prioritise repairing and deepening ties with the US. Doing so will require deft diplomacy, proactive engagement on trade disputes, and perhaps concessions in other areas of the bilateral agenda. India must make the case—both politically and economically—that it is a critical partner in global supply chains, especially as the US seeks to reduce dependence on China. If corrective action is delayed, the fallout will be felt not only in trade statistics but also in employment figures. That will make the situation worse.
Hindustan Times
9 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian-American event at Trump's golf club put off amid trade tussle
The golf tournament was scheduled for August 21 at US President Donald Trump's golf club at Bedminster in New Jersey. Key influencers in the Indian American business and political community as well as high-profile members of the Trump administration were expected to attend what was meant to be an important networking event, one that hoped to smoothen the friction that had crept into the US-India relationship over the past few months. But with the chill in the relationship further deepening with Trump's announcement of a penal tariff on India, it has now been postponed until further notice, according to persons aware of the matter. The 600-acre property — bought by Trump in 2002 — was opened as an exclusive golf club in 2004. (AP) The event was seen as an opportunity to informally broker a reduction in tensions between New Delhi and Washington. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) -- a well connected non-profit with links to power players in New Delhi and Washington -- took the lead in organising the tournament. However, the broader tension in the relationship may have led the event to be rescheduled, the people cited above added, asking not to be named. USISPF officials did not respond to requests seeking comment on the matter. Owned and operated by the Trump Organization, the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster has served as an important retreat for the President and his family during his first and second term in office. The 600-acre property — bought by Trump in 2002 — was opened as an exclusive golf club in 2004. The people cited above said Indian American CEOs such as Shantanu Narayan of Adobe, Raj Subramaniam of FedEx, and Arvind Krishna of IBM were invited to attend the tournament. Important political figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were also to feature in the guest list. Forty to 50 individuals were expected to play in the tournament which would end in a black tie dinner, the people said. The event — it was hoped — would also see President Donald Trump attend. But in the last month, New Delhi and Washington have clashed over trade, energy purchases from Russia, India's membership of BRICS and America's growing closeness to Pakistan. Last week, President Trump announced that India would face a 50% tariff -- among the highest tariff rates in the world -- including a 25% tariff as a penalty for purchasing Russian energy. Trump also criticised India and Russia as 'dead economies' in a post on Truth Social. India-US tensions featured prominently in the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs -- chaired by Shashi Tharoor -- on the state of play in the bilateral relationship this week. August will see key developments that offer a pathway for both sides to dial down tensions. On August 15, President Trump is expected to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska. The meeting could lay the groundwork for a settlement to end the Ukraine war, which could also lead to a reduction in US pressure on India for its purchase of Russian energy. On August 25, Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch is expected to visit India to carry forward bilateral trade talks, which have not yielded a trade deal thus far. And if all goes well, maybe that golf tournament will happen.
Hindustan Times
9 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
National Guard in DC: How many troops were sent to Washington? Can they arrest locals? All FAQs
National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington, DC, after President Donald Trump's directive to address crime in the capital. Videos posted on social media showed feds patrolling streets in DC, with locals fearing arrests. This comes after the White House ordered the mobilization of the National Guard to 'clean up' the city. Members of the military stand guard alongside a military Humvee at the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility(Getty Images via AFP) How many National Guard troops have been deployed to DC? The guard members entered the DC National Guard's headquarters, just next to the Capitol, earlier this week. On Monday, the Army activated about 800 soldiers to be mobilized in Washington, DC. According to officials, they will assist law enforcement. Read More: Is Jimmy Kimmel planning to leave US after Trump's warning? Late-night host confirms Italian citizenship 'Currently, the National Guard is being deployed to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence," a White House official said Monday, as per NBC News. Can the National Guard arrest locals? No, under the District's Home Rule Act, DC National Guard troops are prohibited from making arrests. Their role is limited to administrative, logistical support, and providing a visible presence to deter crime, with any detentions handed over to local or federal law enforcement. Read More: Why did Donald Trump deploy the National Guard in Washington? Other FAQs Why were troops deployed? Trump cited rising crime and disorder to assert federal control over the Democrat-led city. Is this legal? Yes, the DC National Guard operates under presidential control, bypassing restrictions on state guards. How long will they stay? The deployment runs from August 11 to September 25, 2025, unless extended by Congress or terminated earlier if conditions stabilize. What will they do? Tasks include supporting police with physical presence, guarding federal assets, and aiding logistical efforts, mirroring border security roles. Has this happened before? Yes, Trump deployed troops in 2020 to manage protests after George Floyd's murder.
