Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, revealed she is “seriously considering” a run for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026, following Sen. Thom Tillis’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection.
Speaking on The Alex Marlow Show on Tuesday, Lara criticized Tillis as being out of step with the current direction of the Republican Party, calling him “very establishment-y” and “RINO-esque” — a term used by some conservatives to describe “Republicans in Name Only.”
Tillis, a two-term senator, made his announcement just one day after President Trump threatened to back a primary challenger, citing Tillis’s opposition to parts of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and his resistance to confirming some key administration nominees.
“He wasn’t ever a hardcore MAGA guy,” Marlow said, referencing Tillis’s clashes with the Trump White House. Lara agreed, saying he often appears to align more with Democrats than with Trump’s America First agenda. “It’s old and tired,” she said.
White House Encouragement
Lara said she’s received calls from key figures — including some from the White House — encouraging her to enter the race. “This is the third time I’ve truly considered it,” she said. “At a certain point, you start to think maybe there’s something to it.”
While she hasn’t made a final decision, she confirmed the possibility is very much on the table. “I would love to serve in some capacity like that,” she added, acknowledging that raising two young children makes the timing difficult. “If we can work that out, and it feels right, then it’ll be a yes for me.”
Lara previously considered Senate runs in both North Carolina and Florida. In 2022, she weighed a campaign before endorsing now-Senator Ted Budd. She also briefly considered running for Marco Rubio’s Florida seat before removing herself from contention, ultimately supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis’s appointment of Ashley Moody.
Strong North Carolina Ties
Lara emphasized her deep roots in North Carolina, where she was born and raised in Wilmington and attended North Carolina State University. “My whole family still lives there — my parents, my brother, my cousins. North Carolina is home,” she said.
President Trump is reportedly supportive of her potential run, and Politico reports that RNC Chair Michael Whatley, a fellow North Carolina native, is unlikely to enter the race unless Lara declines.
“She has the right of first refusal,” a source close to the White House told Politico. “Everyone’s kind of just been like, ‘It’s Lara’s if she wants it.’ The ball is in her court.”
Asked about Whatley potentially entering the race, Lara acknowledged the possibility. “I could absolutely see that,” she said, while also praising his leadership at the RNC and his work on election integrity alongside her during the 2024 cycle.
“I have a feeling the president will want him to stay at the RNC,” she added.
Next Steps
With the 2026 election still over a year away, Lara Trump said her decision will ultimately depend on timing, family considerations, and how she feels about the opportunity.
“Being able to make a difference — to really serve the people — is something I care deeply about,” she said. “If this is the right time, I’ll be ready.”
