Trump eyes daughter-in-law for crucial North Carolina Senate race

Hold onto your hats, folks—North Carolina’s Senate race just got a Trump-sized jolt of intrigue. Senator Thom Tillis, a two-term Republican, has declared he won’t seek re-election in 2026, opening the door for President Donald Trump to flex his considerable influence over the GOP nomination in this pivotal battleground state. It’s a development that has conservatives buzzing with anticipation.

With Tillis stepping aside, Trump and his team are poised to shape the future of the Tar Heel State’s Senate seat, potentially backing high-profile names like Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, or RNC Chair Michael Whatley.

Trump didn’t hold back on Tillis’ exit, calling it “Great News.” Well, isn’t that a polite way to say good riddance? The president has long criticized Tillis for failing to support a key spending and tax cut bill, and some in the MAGA base are quietly cheering the departure of a senator seen as too willing to compromise with the other side.

Lara Trump: A hometown contender emerges

Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, is emerging as a frontrunner for the GOP nomination. Born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, and a graduate of North Carolina State University, she’s got deep roots in the state. Her credentials as a former RNC co-chair and current Fox News host of “My View with Lara Trump” only add to her appeal.

Four years ago, Lara considered a Senate run in North Carolina but stepped back, citing her young children as the reason. She did, however, leave the door open, saying on Fox News, “It would be an incredible thing.” Sounds like a woman who knows her home state could use a strong conservative voice.

Let’s be honest—having the Trump name doesn’t hurt, but as one GOP strategist noted, she “has the name, but beyond that, she is a fundraising powerhouse.” That’s the kind of muscle the party needs in a toss-up race. Lara’s decision to withdraw from consideration for a Florida Senate seat late in 2024 suggests her focus might just be turning back to North Carolina.

Other GOP heavyweights in the mix

Of course, Lara isn’t the only name in the hat. RNC Chair Michael Whatley, a former North Carolina GOP chair for five years, is another Trump-backed possibility. An adviser deflected questions about his candidacy, saying Whatley is “focused on growing Republican majorities in Congress,” but don’t count him out just yet.

Then there’s Rep. Richard Hudson, a Trump ally who’s represented central North Carolina for over a decade. A source close to Hudson told Fox News he’s “tight with Trump world,” and wouldn’t say no if pushed to run. That kind of loyalty could go a long way in securing the nomination.

Other potential GOP contenders include a trio of first-term congressmen—Pat Harrigan, Tim Moore, and Brad Knott—along with four-term Rep. Murphy. It’s a crowded field, but with Trump’s influence looming large, one operative put it bluntly: “It’s the president’s choice.” Turns out, loyalty to the MAGA vision might just be the golden ticket.

Democrats sense an opening in 2026

On the Democratic side, the race is heating up too. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel, a trial lawyer and ex-state senator, has already thrown his hat in the ring, while former two-term Governor Roy Cooper is mulling a bid and is seen as a heavyweight contender. No Democrat has clinched a Senate seat in North Carolina since 2008, so they’re hungry for a win.

Jessica Walter of the Cook Report didn’t mince words after Tillis’ announcement, stating the race is now a “Toss Up” and “Democrats’ top pickup opportunity.” That’s a wake-up call for Republicans who thought this seat was a safe bet. The stakes couldn’t be higher in a state that’s often a political coin flip.

Tillis himself reflected on his exit with a nod to the changing tides, saying leaders willing to embrace “bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.” It’s a noble sentiment, but many conservatives might argue that standing firm on principle is what’s really needed in Washington.

Trump’s influence shakes up the race

National Republicans aren’t shedding tears over Tillis’ departure, with some admitting he struggled to resonate with the MAGA base due to his moderate streak. Operatives believe a more conservative candidate could fire up base voters in 2026. That’s a not-so-subtle hint that the party is ready to double down on Trump’s vision.

Trump loyalists see Tillis’s exit as proof of the president’s iron grip on the GOP’s direction. With battle lines drawn and potential candidates lining up for Trump’s blessing, North Carolina is shaping up to be a proving ground for conservative values over progressive overreach. It’s a fight worth watching.

So, as the 2026 midterms loom, all eyes are on Trump and his pick for this critical Senate seat. Will it be Lara, with her hometown advantage and family ties, or another loyalist ready to carry the torch? One thing’s for sure—when Trump speaks, the GOP listens, and North Carolina might just be the next chapter in his political playbook.