North Carolina's RNC Chair, Michael Whatley, is slated to contest the Senate seat, as per reports to CNN.
In the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, North Carolina is set to witness a competitive and high-profile Senate race, with several prominent figures vying for the open seat left by incumbent Senator Thom Tillis.
On the Democratic side, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is strongly considering a run, with a decision expected by summer 2025. Cooper is viewed as the top Democratic contender, having led the state as governor from 2017 to 2021. Another Democrat already in the race is former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel.
The Republican field is equally impressive, with several potential candidates making waves. Lara Trump, former President Trump's daughter-in-law and ex-RNC co-chair, is "taking a strong look" at the race and would have Trump's backing if she decides to run. Another prominent potential candidate is RNC Chair Michael Whatley, a former North Carolina GOP chair, who is expected to announce his Senate campaign within the next week to 10 days. Whatley's Senate run will be backed by President Donald Trump, setting up one of the best-funded, highest-profile Senate races in the 2026 midterm calendar.
Other potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan, who is being promoted in some Trump circles. Don Brown and Andy Nilsson are also listed as Republican candidates with official campaigns.
The most likely marquee general election matchup is expected to be between Roy Cooper (D) and Michael Whatley (R), barring any surprises. This race is shaping up as a competitive and high-profile battleground in a traditionally purple state, given the open seat and recent electoral trends.
Meanwhile, in Florida, State Sen. Joe Gruters, who was named Statesman of the Year by the Sarasota GOP in 2012, is expected to be endorsed by President Donald Trump to succeed Michael Whatley as Chairman of the RNC. Gruters' relationship with Trump predates Trump's time in office. However, it's unclear if Gruters will drop out of his race for Florida's Chief Financial Officer after Governor Ron DeSantis spurned Trump's endorsement.
In summary:
| Party | Candidate(s) | Status | |-------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Democratic | Roy Cooper (former governor) | Considering running; seen as front-runner | | | Wiley Nickel (former U.S. Representative) | Declared candidate | | Republican | Lara Trump (ex-RNC co-chair) | Potential candidate; strong Trump support | | | Michael Whatley (RNC Chair) | Prominent potential candidate | | | Pat Harrigan (U.S. Rep) | Potential candidate promoted in Trump circles| | | Don Brown | Declared candidate | | | Andy Nilsson | Declared candidate |
This field could still evolve, but as of mid-2025, these are the principal players for North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race.
- Politics in North Carolina is heating up with the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, featuring a highly anticipated Senate race.
- The open seat left by incumbent Senator Thom Tillis has drawn several prominent figures vying for the position.
- On the Democratic side, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is considering a run, with a decision expected by summer 2025.
- Cooper, having led the state as governor from 2017 to 2021, is viewed as the top Democratic contender.
- Another Democrat already in the race is former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel.
- The Republican field is equally impressive, with Lara Trump, former President Trump's daughter-in-law, "taking a strong look" at the race.
- If she decides to run, Trump would back her, setting up one of the best-funded, highest-profile Senate races.
- RNC Chair Michael Whatley, a former North Carolina GOP chair, is also a prominent potential Republican candidate.
- He is expected to announce his Senate campaign within the next week to 10 days, with President Donald Trump's backing.
- U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan is another potential Republican candidate, being promoted in some Trump circles.
- Don Brown and Andy Nilsson are also listed as Republican candidates with official campaigns.
- The most likely marquee general election matchup is expected to be between Roy Cooper (D) and Michael Whatley (R).
- Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters, a possible successor to Michael Whatley as Chairman of the RNC, is expected to be endorsed by President Donald Trump.
- Gruters' relationship with Trump predates Trump's time in office.
- However, it's unclear if Gruters will drop out of his race for Florida's Chief Financial Officer after Governor Ron DeSantis spurned Trump’s endorsement.
- The evolving field could lead to some surprises, but as of mid-2025, these are the principal players for North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race.
- education-and-self-development and personal-growth can play a significant role in the lives of candidates, helping them improve their skills and mindset for the challenging Senate race.
- Migration issues, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice may also be topics that surface during the campaign.
- Productivity and career-development policies can be important for the economic growth of the state.
- Policy-and-legislation on migration, war, crime, productivity, and career development could be key factors driving voter decisions in the Senate race.
- online-education platforms could aid candidates in learning about their opponents and formulating effective strategies.
- job-search websites can also help the candidates to reach out to voters and gather support for their campaigns.
- In addition to politics, general-news outlets, weather forecasting, sports, and accidents (such as car accidents, fires, and certain sports injuries) could make headlines in the state during the election period.
