In a move that could reshape North Carolina's political landscape, Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, is contemplating a bid for the state's open Senate seat.
According to The Hill, this potential candidacy follows Sen. Thom Tillis's retirement announcement, sparking intense speculation and robust backing from Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley, while the race is now deemed a competitive "toss-up" for the upcoming midterm cycle.
The story begins with Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who recently declared he would not pursue reelection, leaving his Senate seat vacant for the next term. Tillis, who has served two terms, had a public disagreement with President Trump, particularly over opposition to a significant tax and spending legislation championed by the former president. President Trump, in response, had previously hinted at backing a primary opponent against Tillis, even before the senator's retirement decision was made public.
On June 28, Trump posted on Truth Social about Tillis's impending exit, calling it "great news" for the state. He also mentioned that several individuals had expressed interest in running in a primary against Tillis, signaling a competitive field. "I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America," Trump wrote on the platform.
Amid this backdrop, Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, emerged as a potential contender for the North Carolina seat. Reports from The Hill in June confirmed that she was weighing a run in her home state, a consideration she had also entertained in 2020 following the retirement of Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). In a June 30 radio interview with Fox News Radio, she acknowledged the possibility, saying, "Look, I'm considering it."
She further elaborated on her motivations during the same interview, reflecting on her family's influence. "I think that one thing that I think all of us in the Trump family have learned is that it is so incredible to be able to impact the lives of people across this country," she said. "No one knows that more so than my father-in-law," Lara Trump added, highlighting the inspiration drawn from President Trump.
Adding to the momentum, RNC Chair Michael Whatley has voiced strong support for Lara Trump's possible candidacy. In a Monday interview with the Washington Examiner, published Wednesday, Whatley stated, "What I will say is this: If Lara Trump is going to be interested, then she is certainly going to have the entire Republican universe — myself included — that are going to coalesce behind her." He also noted an alternative plan, saying, "And if not, we'll work with the president, and we'll figure out who the best candidate is to be able to win there."
Whatley's confidence in retaining the seat stems from his deep roots in North Carolina politics, having served as the state GOP chair for five years. "I've been the chair down there for five years; I've worked with the president through three different presidential election cycles," he told the Washington Examiner. "We know how to win in North Carolina, and I feel very confident that we're going to be able to hold that seat," Whatley affirmed.
Beyond politics, Lara Trump has built a public profile as a Fox News host and entrepreneur running an athletic clothing line. She also held a prominent role as co-chair of the RNC alongside Whatley until her resignation in December 2024. Her departure from the RNC fueled speculation about a possible Senate run, initially linked to filling Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) seat after he was nominated as Secretary of State.
Despite the buzz, Lara Trump has remained elusive on her final decision, with multiple attempts by The Hill to contact her on Wednesday proving unsuccessful. Her potential candidacy comes at a time when the North Carolina Senate race has been reclassified by election analysts as a "toss-up" for the midterm cycle. This designation underscores the competitive nature of the seat following Tillis's exit and the ensuing political vacuum.
President Trump’s interest in identifying a formidable candidate for North Carolina remains a key factor in the unfolding race. His active involvement, as evidenced by planned meetings with prospective candidates, suggests a strategic push to maintain Republican control. The outcome could hinge on whether Lara Trump officially enters the race or if another candidate emerges with the president’s endorsement.
Lara Trump’s consideration of a Senate run is not new, as she previously explored a campaign in 2020 after Burr’s retirement. Her familial ties to President Trump and her recent RNC leadership role add layers of intrigue to her potential candidacy. As the midterm cycle approaches, her decision could significantly influence the Republican strategy in North Carolina.
Whatley himself has been mentioned as a possible contender for the Senate seat, highlighting the depth of talent within the state’s GOP ranks. His transition to national RNC chair in 2024, recommended by Trump during the presidential campaign, further solidifies his influence in party dynamics. Whether supporting Lara Trump or another candidate, Whatley’s commitment to victory in North Carolina remains steadfast.
As speculation mounts, the North Carolina Senate race stands as a critical battleground for both parties in the upcoming midterms. The "toss-up" status reflects the uncertainty and high stakes surrounding the vacancy left by Tillis. With Lara Trump’s decision pending, the Republican Party is poised to rally behind a candidate who can navigate this competitive electoral terrain.