Official NRSC-Endorsed Candidate: Michael Whatley (R), North Carolina
Michael Whatley is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina for the 2026 election cycle. Whatley is running to win the open seat in the upcoming November 2026 general election. Previously, Whatley served as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and the Republican National Committee.
Michael Whatley’s Background and Record
Prior to running for the U.S. Senate, Michael Whatley built a career in business, public service, and political leadership, notable for helping organize Republican victories in North Carolina and advancing conservative grassroots organizing efforts nationwide. In his current and past roles, Whatley has focused on economic growth and voter engagement.
As Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and later the Republican National Committee, Whatley helped strengthen Republican turnout operations and support GOP candidates across the country.
- Full Name: Michael Whatley
- Current Role: Small business owner. Former: Chairman of the Republican National Committee (2024–2025); Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party (2019–2024)
- Key Accomplishments:
- Helped organize victories in North Carolina’s General Assembly and congressional races for candidates that put North Carolina First.
- Lifelong North Carolinian and small businessman
- Advocate and grassroots organizer for pro-growth policies that lower costs and reduce taxes on North Carolinians
- Worked with Republican leaders to pass commonsense legislation to reduce regulations that harm economic growth and small businesses
- Policy Priorities:
- Lower Taxes and Economic Growth
- Bigger Paychecks and Job Creation
- Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
- Public Safety and Support for Law Enforcement
- Public Service Background: Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, Counselor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy during the George W. Bush administration, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party (2019–2024), Chairman of the Republican National Committee (2024–2025)
Michael Whatley’s 2026 Campaign Priorities
- Economic Growth: Michael Whatley supports lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and expanding opportunities for North Carolina workers, families, and small businesses.
- National Security and Public Safety: Michael Whatley advocates for stronger border security, supporting law enforcement, and keeping North Carolina communities safe.
- North Carolina Jobs and Families: Michael Whatley is focused on increasing paychecks, protecting jobs, and strengthening North Carolina’s economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Whatley
Who is Michael Whatley? Michael Whatley is a longtime conservative leader and lifelong North Carolinian who previously served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. Whatley has focused much of his career on grassroots organizing, pro-growth policies, and advancing commonsense conservative principles.
What office is Michael Whatley running for in 2026? Michael Whatley is running for the United States Senate representing North Carolina as a Republican in the 2026 election. Whatley is seeking to bring conservative leadership and pro-economic growth policies to the U.S. Senate.
What is Michael Whatley’s professional background? Michael Whatley is a political leader and attorney who previously served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. Prior to his party leadership roles, Whatley served in the federal government, worked on energy and public policy issues, and is a small business owner.
What are Michael Whatley’s main policy priorities? Michael Whatley’s Senate campaign focuses heavily on lowering taxes, growing paychecks, and keeping communities safe. Whatley has also emphasized border security and overall economic growth.
What committees has Michael Whatley served on? Michael Whatley has not previously served in Congress, but he has held major leadership positions within the Republican Party at both the state and national levels, including serving as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Where can I find more information about Michael Whatley? You can view Michael Whatley’s official campaign website at https://www.michaelwhatley.com/.