CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is taking shape.
Politico is reporting that Republican National Convention Chairman Michael Whatley will run for the seat and has been fully endorsed by President Donald Trump.
In the past hour, President Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump said she will not run for the seat.
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 (@LaraLeaTrump) July 24, 2025
I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my… pic.twitter.com/zL3I8fFzO6
On the Democrat side, Channel 9 reported Wednesday that former Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to announce whether he will run for the seat in the next few days
He is the featured speaker at the North Carolina Democratic Party Unity Dinner on Saturday.
Filing for this race isn’t until December.
There are a few other candidates running who don’t have as much name recognition or fundraising.
Former congressional candidate Don Brown and businessman Andy Nilsson on the Republican side, and former Congressman Wiley Nickel on the Democratic side.
VIDEO: Former Gov. Roy Cooper expected to announce Senate bid in coming days
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