January 1, Trump-Backed Whatley Shakes Up North Carolina Senate

Wyatt’s Take

• Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina Senate race with Trump’s endorsement.
• Former Governor Roy Cooper leads Democrat push for the battleground seat.
• Both camps gear up for what could be the most expensive Senate contest ever.

Michael Whatley, head of the Republican National Committee, is running for Senate in North Carolina after President Trump urged him to enter the race. Whatley announced his campaign in Gastonia, calling himself the strong conservative voice North Carolina deserves.

“President Trump deserves an ally, and North Carolina deserves a strong conservative voice in the Senate,” Whatley said at his kickoff event. “I will be that voice.”

Democrats are putting forward former Governor Roy Cooper, hoping to flip the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Thom Tillis. Cooper has won statewide office multiple times, raising $3.4 million in just his first day of campaigning.

Whatley drew a hard line, describing Cooper as firmly attached to the national Democratic agenda. “Roy Cooper may pretend to be different from the radical extremists that run today’s Democrat Party, but he is all in on their agenda,” Whatley said.

The matchup is set to be fiercely competitive, with huge spending expected on both sides. Whatley pledged to campaign in all 100 counties and tout Republican leadership on issues voters care about.

Democrats say Whatley is tied to Trump’s policies, arguing he supports measures that raise health care costs. Cooper’s campaign called Whatley a “D.C. insider and big oil lobbyist,” while Whatley highlighted his plans to focus on solutions that matter for working people.

Republicans and Democrats alike are making their case, turning this Senate race into a battle over the direction of the state and the country.

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Wyatt Matters

This election is shaping up to be a fight over which side truly stands up for regular families in North Carolina. Folks out here want honesty, common sense, and leaders who answer to them—not to party bosses or rich donors in Washington.