Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley beat out a handful of competitors to become the GOP nominee in November’s U.S. Senate race, according to The Associated Press.
Whatley, who also has been a leader of the North Carolina Republican Party, was endorsed by President Donald Trump. It is Whatley’s first run for public office.
He overcame Michelle Morrow, who ran for state superintendent in 2024, Navy JAG Officer Don Brown, Richard Dansie, Elizabeth A. Temple and Thomas Johnson.
Margot Dupre was on the ballot but she was disqualified after her residency was challenged.
Her name remained on ballots and votes cast for her will be counted because absentee voting began before the disqualification, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis announced he wouldn’t seek reelection last year, and his open seat has been targeted by Democrats seeking to regain control of the chamber.
Whatley will face former Gov. Roy Cooper in a closely watched U.S. Senate election in November. Also in the race are the Green Party’s Brian McGinnis, Libertarian Shannon Bray and independent Shaunesi Deberry.
Republicans control the U.S. Senate 53-47.
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