Is RINO Michael Whatley planning to run for US Senate from NC in 2026? | Eastern NC Now

Word is spreading that RINO former NCGOP chairman Michael Whatley is trying to form an exploratory committee on running for the US Senate in 2026 for the seat held by Thom Tillis.  Some paint this as running "against" Tillis but that is unlikely.  Whatley is a longtime Tillis ally and was originally recruited by Tillis to run for NCGOP chairman.  He has maintained that close association with Tillis.

With Tillis having worn out his welcome with many GOP activists, he has to know that running in 2026 would probably lead to a defeat either in the primary or general election.  The last NCGOP state convention passed a shrill resolution of censure against Tillis based on his liberal voting record.   In the last few weeks, Tillis greatly angered GOP activists by sinking the nomination of Ed Martin as US Attorney for the District of Columbia for what most regard as silly reasons.

A Whatley trial balloon may be there to allow Tillis to stand aside for an ally to try to keep his seat.  Whatley could initially posture as running "against" Tillis and then Tillis withdraw.  It could also be a scam to try to discourage another high profile Tillis challenger like Lara Trump from entering the race.

Whatley was Chief of Staff to RINO former US Senator Elizabeth Dole, then worked for many years in lobbying and related work for special interests.  He was recruited to run for NCGOP chairman by Tillis and served several terms in that capacity.  He is now RNC chairman.

Currently, Tillis' most prominent challenger is conservative lawyer, former JAG officer, and bestselling author Don Brown.

There is also some speculation that Whatley may be about to get the boot as RNC chairman, and this may be a face saving way for him to exit that position.

All in all, it will be interesting to watch this charade.