North Carolina is a pivotal battleground state and the Senate race is one of the premier contests of the upcoming midterm elections.

Whatley previously met with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott about a potential Senate run in North Carolina, and the NRSC had been floating Whatley as a possible replacement for Tillis since January, according to a GOP operative. Tillis did not announce his plans to not seek re-election until months later.

Michael Whatley, the current RNC chair, plans to run for the open North Carolina Senate seat, The Associated Press reported. Whatley was elected to the position in March 2024, alongside co-chair Lara Trump. He was reelected to the position in January.