Who Is Michael Whatley, North Carolina’s GOP Candidate for Senate?

Michael Whatley, a native of North Carolina, is stepping down from his role as chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) to run for the U.S. Senate. Whatley’s political career has deep roots in North Carolina, but this will be his first time running as a candidate.

Who Is Michael Whatley? Early Political Beginnings

Whatley’s political journey began in 1984 when he was just a high school sophomore in Watauga County. He volunteered for then-Senator Jesse Helms’ reelection campaign. Over the years, his involvement in politics grew, eventually leading him to work on George W. Bush’s Florida recount team in 2000.

During Bush’s presidency, Whatley held a position in the U.S. Department of Energy. His experience expanded when, in 2004, North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole selected him as her chief of staff. After that, he served as vice president of the Consumer Energy Alliance and worked as a lobbyist.

Leadership in North Carolina Republican Party

In 2019, Michael Whatley was named chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. Under his leadership, the state saw strong support for Donald Trump, contributing to Trump’s narrow 2020 win in North Carolina, despite the former president losing the overall election to Joe Biden.

Whatley is a loyal Trump supporter and has publicly echoed claims disputing the 2020 election results. During his tenure as state party chair, the North Carolina GOP censured two prominent Republicans: Senator Richard Burr for voting to impeach Trump after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and Senator Thom Tillis for cooperating on bipartisan policies about same-sex marriage and gun laws following the tragic Uvalde school shooting.

Senate Run and Primary Race

Michael Whatley’s entry into the Senate race opens a new chapter in his political career. He will compete in the Republican primary against retired businessman Andy Nilsson and former JAG officer Don Brown.