Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley plans to run for the Senate in North Carolina.

The decision comes after President Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, decided against seeking the seat that Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is vacating at the end of his term.

Mr. Whatley has Mr. Trump’s blessing, a person familiar with Mr. Whatley’s plans confirmed to The Washington Times.

Politico first reported Mr. Whatley’s plans.

The North Carolina Senate race is shaping up to be one of the signature races of the 2026 election cycle.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is expected to jump into the race next week. Democrats see him as a prize recruit and view the race in North Carolina as one of the party’s best chances to flip a seat in the upper chamber next year.

Mr. Whatley has led the RNC since 2024 and previously led the North Carolina GOP.

Ms. Trump, who served as RNC co-chair during the 2024 election, announced in a social media post Thursday that she was passing on a bid.

“After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time,” Ms. Trump said.

She added, “While I am not running in this election, my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly, and I look forward to the future, wherever that leads.”

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.