WASHINGTON — Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley has formally kicked off his bid for the hotly contested North Carolina Senate seat, opening the door for new leadership at the top of the official GOP.

The attacks included the campaign of Gov. Roy Cooper, who could end up facing Whatley in the 2026 general election.

The decision sets the stage for what is likely to be a heavyweight battle between a behind-the-scenes political insider and a former governor with a knack for winning unaffiliated voters.