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R Republican · U.S. Senate, North Carolina · Nov 3, 2026

Michael
Whatley

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina; former chairman of the RNC and NC Republican Party

Researched checked 7 d ago
sources
35
positions
12
endorsements
17
michaelwhatley.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Michael Dublin G+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

Michael Whatley is the 2026 Republican candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. Born in Michigan, he moved to North Carolina during high school and attended Watauga High School in Blowing Rock. He earned a history degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master's degree in religion from Wake Forest University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame. 32

Whatley began his career as a federal law clerk in Charlotte before serving in the U.S. Department of Energy and later as chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole. He has held no prior elected public office. 32

He served as chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024, and then as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2024 to 2025. 32

Whatley and his wife reside in Gaston County, North Carolina. He is running against Democrat Roy Cooper in the November 3, 2026 general election for the open Senate seat. 1214

At a glance

Party
Republican
Running for
U.S. Senate, North Carolina
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Website
michaelwhatley.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 8
    debate
    Cooper and Whatley decline debate invitations; no major-party debate scheduled

    The News & Observer reported neither candidate had appeared together in a debate. Cooper said 'It appears we're going to have none for the U.S. Senate race.' A Libertarian Party announcement confirmed neither campaign responded to a debate invitation.

    In NC, digital ads are in and debates are out: Welcome to the new campaign · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 8
    news
    Whatley holds 'Make More, Keep More' press conference in Wilson

    Whatley held a campaign press conference in Wilson, saying 'As your Senator, I will fight every day to make sure families make more and keep more of their hard earned money,' and attacking Cooper's gubernatorial record on costs.

    Michael Whatley Hosts Make More, Keep More Press ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 8
    news
    Whatley campaign retreats from TV airwaves with only $65,000 in ads booked

    WRAL reported the Whatley campaign had reserved only $65,000 in television ads for the week of October 8, with no further TV reservations through Election Day, based on AdImpact data. Outside groups still had ads booked on his behalf.

    ‘We have the resources’: Whatley campaign retreats from airwaves while trailing in US Senate polls · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 8
    debate
    Third-party debate invitation issued; Cooper and Whatley campaigns never responded

    Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin agreed to a virtual debate on October 15. The announcement stated Cooper and Whatley were invited but neither campaign responded.

    Bray and Dublin to Debate as Early Voting Opens - EIN Presswire · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 8
    poll
    Decision Desk HQ polling average: Cooper 49.0%, Whatley 40.1%

    The Decision Desk HQ polling average as of October 8 showed Cooper at 49.0% and Whatley at 40.1%, combining surveys with different field dates and methods.

    2026 North Carolina Senate Polling Average · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 8
    news
    Democrats see opening in NC as Whatley campaign struggles financially and in polls

    Reports noted Democrats were increasingly optimistic about the North Carolina Senate race as Whatley trailed in polls and faced reduced Republican outside spending.

    Democrats see opening in NC as Whatley campaign ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    endorsement
    Sen. Thom Tillis publicly backs Whatley for the first time in the race

    Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis made his first public declaration of support for Whatley, saying 'I support Michael Whatley and every Republican up and down the ticket.'

    Tillis backs Whatley in North Carolina Senate race - The Hill · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 2
    controversy
    Trump expresses concern about Whatley's standing as PAC pulls NC spending

    Reports indicated Trump was worried about his handpicked nominee's position in the race as the Senate Leadership Fund shifted money out of North Carolina to other states.

    Trump says he's concerned over Whatley as PAC pulls spending from NC's Senate race · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 2
    news
    Senate Leadership Fund pauses NC ad spending, shifts resources elsewhere

    The major Republican Senate super PAC paused its North Carolina ad spending. WRAL reported the group had spent about $30 million and moved away from an earlier plan to spend $71 million in the state.

    Major Republican group pauses US Senate ad spending in NC, where GOP’s Whatley trails in polls · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 30
    poll
    Catawba College poll shows Cooper ahead of Whatley by 12 points

    A survey reported Cooper leading Whatley by 12 points, including in areas previously considered reliably Republican.

    Election 2026: Cooper leads Whatley by 12% in Catawba poll - Yahoo · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 30
    endorsement
    U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Whatley for NC Senate

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Whatley, with his campaign saying the endorsement reflected support for tax, trade, and regulatory policies favorable to job creators.

    Michael Whatley Endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 30
    controversy
    Whatley doubles down on support for tariffs and Iran War despite economic concerns

    At a news conference, Whatley reaffirmed support for Trump's tariffs and the U.S. conflict with Iran. Asked about high diesel prices, he said 'Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.' He also cited tax cuts and deregulation as priorities.

    Whatley doubles down on support for tariffs, Iran War, tax cuts - WRAL · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 29
    news
    Whatley holds 'Make More, Keep More' press conference in Greensboro

    Whatley's campaign argued that Cooper's record as governor increased costs for families and businesses, framing Whatley as the candidate who would let families make more and keep more of their earnings.

    Michael Whatley Hosts Make More, Keep ... · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Sep 28
    poll
    AARP poll: Cooper leads Whatley 53%–42% among likely NC voters

    An AARP survey of 1,115 likely North Carolina voters (fielded Sept. 17–20) showed Cooper ahead 53% to 42%, with a margin of error of ±2.9 points. Whatley led among voters 50 and older, 51%–45%.

    Cooper Leads N.C. Senate Race, Older Voters Back Whatley · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Sep 25
    poll
    Report: Some polls show race tightening but Cooper still leads Whatley by 8–11 points

    WRAL reported Cooper leads of 11 points in Elon's poll and 8 points in East Carolina University's poll. Some surveys had suggested tightening, but Whatley continued to trail overall.

    Whatley, Cooper enter final 40 days of 2026 election as some polls ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Sep 25
    news
    Whatley attacks Cooper on transgender policies at Pittsboro Christian school event

    At a private Christian school in Pittsboro, Whatley attacked Cooper over transgender-related policies. Cooper, campaigning in Wilson the same day, criticized Whatley's support for Trump's tariffs and Iran policy.

    Whatley, Cooper enter final 40 days of 2026 election as some polls ... · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  17. Sep 21
    endorsement
    VP Vance boosts Whatley as GOP groups weigh pulling ad money from NC

    Vice President JD Vance publicly boosted Whatley's Senate campaign as reports emerged that Republican outside groups were reconsidering their ad spending commitments in North Carolina.

    Vance boosts Whatley as GOP groups weigh pulling ad money · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  18. Sep 19
    news
    Whatley warns he is 'dead in the water' without more fundraising dollars

    Whatley sent an urgent fundraising appeal warning supporters he needed more money. Public FEC figures through June 30 showed approximately $11.3 million in receipts, $7.8 million spent, and $3.5 million cash on hand.

    Whatley: “I'm Dead In The Water” Without More Money - Rhino Times · Sep 19, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  19. Sep 16
    endorsement
    Trump campaigns in North Carolina to boost Whatley at rally

    President Trump appeared at a North Carolina event to stump for Whatley, his handpicked Republican Senate nominee and former RNC chair, who faces Democrat Roy Cooper.

    Trump stumps in NC for former GOP chair Michael Whatley ... · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  20. Sep 4
    filing
    North Carolina absentee voting begins; Whatley listed as GOP Senate nominee on general-election ballot

    North Carolina counties began mailing absentee ballots. The general-election Senate ballot listed Roy Cooper (D), Michael Whatley (R), Libertarian Shannon W. Bray, and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin.

    Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Candidate Fund organization
    Listed as an endorser on Whatley's iVoterGuide candidate profile updated October 11, 2026; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Republican Jewish Coalition PAC organization
    Listed as an endorser on Whatley's iVoterGuide candidate profile updated October 11, 2026; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund organization
    Listed as an endorser on Whatley's iVoterGuide candidate profile updated October 11, 2026; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Campaign for Working Families organization
    Listed as an endorser on Whatley's iVoterGuide candidate profile updated October 11, 2026; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Americans for Prosperity Action North Carolina organization
    Listed as an endorser on Whatley's iVoterGuide candidate profile updated October 11, 2026; no date provided. ivoterguide.com
  • Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator from North Carolina official
    Publicly said he supported Whatley in an interview on October 6, 2026, reported October 7. Said 'I support Michael Whatley and every Republican up and down the ticket.' thehill.com · Oct 6, 2026
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce organization
    Announced its endorsement on September 30, 2026. uschamber.com · Sep 30, 2026
  • JD Vance, Vice President official
    Campaigned for Whatley at a Greensboro event on September 21, 2026; coverage describes him campaigning rather than a separate formal endorsement announcement. nsjonline.com · Sep 21, 2026
  • Ted Budd, U.S. Senator from North Carolina official
    Gave an endorsement at Vice President JD Vance's Greensboro event on September 21, 2026. nsjonline.com · Sep 21, 2026
  • National Border Patrol Council union
    Endorsed Whatley on August 28, 2026; the campaign announced it on August 31. michaelwhatley.com · Aug 28, 2026
  • North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police union
    Campaign announced its endorsement on August 12, 2026. theconservativeledger.com · Aug 12, 2026
  • North Carolina Values Coalition organization
    Announced its endorsement on July 31, 2026. ncvalues.org · Jul 31, 2026
  • North Carolina Police Benevolent Association union
    Endorsed Whatley unanimously; he formally accepted the endorsement at a Raleigh event on July 9, 2026. nsjonline.com · Jul 9, 2026
  • North Carolina Troopers Association organization
    Whatley publicly said he had its endorsement on March 9, 2026. admin.clayandbuck.com · Mar 9, 2026
  • Tim Scott, U.S. Senator and then-chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee official
    Reported as endorsing Whatley at the time of the campaign announcement on July 31, 2025. abc11.com · Jul 31, 2025
  • Donald Trump, President of the United States official
    Endorsed Whatley in a Truth Social post before Whatley formally launched his campaign, writing 'should Michael Whatley run for the Senate, please let this notification represent my complete and total endorsement.' abc11.com · Jul 31, 2025
  • John Thune, U.S. Senate Majority Leader official
    Endorsed Whatley when he announced his candidacy on July 31, 2025. abc11.com · Jul 31, 2025

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$11.27M
Spent
$7.81M
Cash on hand
$3.46M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6NC00415(opens in a new tab)

Sources 35

  1. [1] Voter Guide Profile for NC U.S. Senate candidate - Michael Whatley(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  2. [2] ‘We have the resources’: Whatley campaign retreats from airwaves while trailing in US Senate polls(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  3. [3] 2026 North Carolina Senate Polling Average(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  4. [4] Bray and Dublin to Debate as Early Voting Opens - EIN Presswire(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Democrats see opening in NC as Whatley campaign ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  6. [6] In NC, digital ads are in and debates are out: Welcome to the new campaign(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  7. [7] Michael Whatley Hosts Make More, Keep More Press ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  8. [8] Tillis backs Whatley in North Carolina Senate race - The Hill(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  9. [9] Major Republican group pauses US Senate ad spending in NC, where GOP’s Whatley trails in polls(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  10. [10] Trump says he's concerned over Whatley as PAC pulls spending from NC's Senate race(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  11. [11] U.S. Chamber Endorses Michael Whatley for U.S. Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  12. [12] Election 2026: Cooper leads Whatley by 12% in Catawba poll - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  13. [13] Michael Whatley Endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  14. [14] News – Michael Whatley for Senate(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  15. [15] Whatley doubles down on support for tariffs, Iran War, tax cuts - WRAL(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  16. [16] Whatley picks up big U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsement, lays out plan to grow NC economy(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  17. [17] Michael Whatley Hosts Make More, Keep ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  18. [18] Cooper Leads N.C. Senate Race, Older Voters Back Whatley(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  19. [19] Whatley, Cooper enter final 40 days of 2026 election as some polls ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  20. [20] Voting is underway: What’s on NC’s 2026 ballot(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  21. [21] Issues – Michael Whatley for Senate(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
  22. [22] Vance boosts Whatley as GOP groups weigh pulling ad money(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  23. [23] Vance campaigns for Whatley in Greensboro: Choose 'commonsense' over 'crazy'(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  24. [24] Whatley: “I'm Dead In The Water” Without More Money - Rhino Times(opens in a new tab) Sep 19, 2026
  25. [25] Michael Whatley | Biography & Record - The Conservative Ledger(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
  26. [26] Trump stumps in NC for former GOP chair Michael Whatley ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
  27. [27] NC Values Coalition Endorses Michael Whatley for U.S. Senate(opens in a new tab) Aug 3, 2026
  28. [28] Whatley receives unanimous endorsement from Police ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 10, 2026
  29. [29] Whatley touts affordability message during campaign stop in Zebulon(opens in a new tab) Jun 4, 2026
  30. [30] Election 2026: Stumps heavy with economy, crime in U.S. ...(opens in a new tab) May 31, 2026
  31. [31] Michael Whatley: I'll Be a Pro-Trump Senator for NC(opens in a new tab) Mar 10, 2026
  32. [32] REMINDER: DC Insider Michael Whatley “Repeatedly ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 9, 2026
  33. [33] Whatley, GOP leaders promote Trump's education tax ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 9, 2026
  34. [34] Michael Whatley | Republican National Committee ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 24, 2025
  35. [35] RNC chair: The GOP won't abandon anti-abortion supporters(opens in a new tab) Jul 18, 2024
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