Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is “seriously considering” a run for the U.S. Senate in her home state of North Carolina, a source told NOTUS. A separate source familiar with the Trump family told NBC News there’s a “high” likelihood she’ll enter the race.
The speculation surfaced just hours after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced he won’t seek re-election in 2026, clearing the way for new contenders. Tillis, 64, publicly broke with Trump over his “Big Beautiful Bill” and its proposed cuts to Medicaid, fueling tensions with the former president.
Lara, 42, is married to Eric Trump and has long been one of the most politically visible members of the Trump family. She campaigned heavily alongside her father-in-law during the 2024 race and was appointed co-chair of the Republican National Committee in March 2024 after Trump reshuffled its leadership. In that role, she oversaw fundraising and helped organize the Milwaukee convention. Following Trump’s election win, she also began hosting a weekend program on Fox News.
A Wilmington, North Carolina native, Lara has previously hinted at political ambitions in the state, which Donald Trump carried in all three of his presidential campaigns, though it remains a competitive battleground.
Lara was a prominent figure at last year’s Republican convention and now appears poised to seek office herself—potentially becoming the second member of the Trump family elected to public office.
She’s not the only name circulating for the upcoming Senate race. Other potential GOP contenders include Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and RNC Chair Michael Whatley.
Despite currently residing in Jupiter, Florida, Lara Trump has already been polled in hypothetical matchups. A Victory Insights poll conducted last summer showed her with a commanding lead among likely Republican voters in North Carolina, garnering 65% support—compared to just 11% for Tillis.
With the Senate seat now open and Trump’s influence over the GOP still strong, Lara Trump could quickly become the frontrunner in a race that’s sure to draw national attention.
