RNC Chair announces run for North Carolina seat

When Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced that he was not running for re-election, it opened a big door.

We know that Lara Trump is itching to get into the political world, and there was a lot of speculation that she would run for this seat, and already had Trump’s blessing.

Over the last week, that situation cleared up, and it will be RNC Chair Michael Whatley running, not Lara Trump.

Seat Vacated

Tillis and Trump have been going at each other over the BBB, and it wound up resulting in Tillis deciding that he would not run for office again.

When Tillis announced he was retiring, it opened the door for Lara Trump, who grew up in North Carolina, to run for a seat.

Donald Trump immediately came out to say that he would support her if she decided to run, but there was one complication.

In order for Lara Trump to run, she would have to move to North Carolina, and she seems quite happy in Florida.

Not Yet

Lara Trump was clearly struggling with what to do, but last week she finally made her decision.

Trump announced, "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.

"I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my home state whom I love so much."

This opened the door for the rest of the field, as I believe that had Trump run, the field would have bowed out knowing she was the one who would have the president’s support.

Let’s Go This

Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Michael Whatley took advantage of Lara dropping out, immediately announcing that he was going to run for the seat now that she was out of the race.

He stated, “I’m excited to announce my campaign for the U.S. Senate to represent the great state of North Carolina! I am humbled and excited to begin this campaign, and I would be honored to earn your vote, your support, and your prayers.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) immediately endorsed him, with Scott calling him a “strong America First conservative” and Thune stating, “Michael Whatley has done an exceptional job leading the Republican National Committee through historic campaign successes, and I’m excited to endorse him in his bid to become North Carolina’s next U.S. Senator.”

This has traditionally been a red seat, and based on recent elections, I fully expect Whatley to win this if he gets the nod.