President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced Thursday that she will not run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, opening the door for a likely high-stakes contest between former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley.
“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,” Lara Trump wrote on X.
Her decision reshapes the political landscape in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races, following Senator Thom Tillis’ choice not to seek reelection. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 edge in the Senate, and North Carolina is considered a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections.
Multiple outlets have reported that both Whatley and Cooper are preparing to launch their campaigns, though neither has formally declared. If confirmed, their matchup would pit two seasoned political operatives with sharply contrasting styles and national profiles against each other.
A Crucial Senate Battleground
North Carolina joins Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire as one of the six most competitive Senate races, according to political analysts. The stakes are high: Democrats not only need to defend vulnerable seats in states like Michigan and Minnesota—where incumbents are retiring—but also flip at least four GOP-held seats to regain control of the chamber.
Meanwhile, Democrats are more optimistic about their chances in the House of Representatives, though redistricting efforts in Republican strongholds like Texas could complicate that path.
Fallout From a Contentious Bill
Senator Tillis’ decision to step aside came after he drew backlash from conservatives—particularly President Trump—for voting against a sweeping tax-cut package passed on July 1. The bill slashed Medicaid funding and sparked fierce criticism from both parties.
Tillis defended his vote, warning it would lead to “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities.”
Cooper also slammed the legislation in a July 3 social media post, calling it harmful to “working families, seniors, children, and veterans so those at the top can have big tax breaks.”
Whatley Signals Aggressive Strategy
While Whatley has yet to formally enter the race, his recent rhetoric offers a glimpse into his potential campaign style. On Monday, the RNC chair blasted Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, suggesting how he might frame a contest against Cooper.
“She’s an open-borders, pro-DEI, radical leftist who put America last in Congress and would do the same if she’s elected governor,” Whatley wrote.
If both men enter the race, North Carolina could once again become the epicenter of a fiercely contested national election fight—with control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance.
