Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

A race between Roy Cooper and Gastonia resident Michael Whatley could prove to be “as close to a toss-up as exists in American politics."

Several sources tell CBS News that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to run for Senate in North Carolina next year. CBS News executive director for the White House and politics,

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, plans to step down to focus his attention on running for the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, report says.