Michael Whatley, the Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina and former RNC chair, is trailing in his 2026 race despite remaining loyal to President Trump as other GOP candidates distance themselves. Republican officials expressed concern on September 25 that Whatley is on pace to lose the contested Senate seat.
President Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina on September 16, 2026, for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley, joking about withholding FEMA funding from the state if voters did not support Whatley. The comment drew criticism from Governor Josh Stein and sparked backlash from Trump supporters who questioned Whatley's candidacy.
President Donald Trump announced he would campaign in North Carolina in mid-September 2026 for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, according to reports from September 11.
North Carolina's pivotal U.S. Senate contest attracted national attention in September 2026 as Republican candidate Michael Whatley brought the race to the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. Rising household costs and affordability have emerged as central issues in fast-growing Cabarrus County.