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Whatley Enters Senate Race Backed by Trump and GOP Leadership

The launch brings top GOP endorsements to a contest seen as pivotal for Senate control next year.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley speaks during his campaign launch event for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Gastonia, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
FILE - Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a campaign rally, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, NC. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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FILE - North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a campaign event in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

Overview

  • Michael Whatley officially declared his U.S. Senate campaign July 31 in Gastonia with President Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” and backing from Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC Chair Tim Scott.
  • Former Gov. Roy Cooper reported raising a record $3.4 million in his first 24 hours as a candidate, underscoring his strong fundraising position in Democrats’ effort to flip the open seat.
  • A Victory Insights poll conducted July 28–30 shows Cooper narrowly leading Whatley 43.4 percent to 40.2 percent, tightening to 44.4 percent to 43.5 percent when undecided voters are pushed to a preference.
  • The race opened after Sen. Thom Tillis announced he would not seek a third term, creating one of the most competitive contests in North Carolina, where Republicans have held the seat since 2008.
  • Both campaigns are drawing national attention with extensive fundraising and spending plans in a race viewed as critical to determining whether Democrats can overcome the GOP’s 53–47 Senate majority.