North Carolina’s 2026 Senate race is coming into focus as former Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to run and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, backed by President Donald Trump and GOP leadership,

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, giving Democrats a proven statewide winner in an open-seat race that is expected to be one of the most competitive 2026 contests.

Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley jumps into North Carolina's Senate race as Lara Trump declines to run, creating a battle for one of 2026's competitive seats.

His entry will pave the way for a marquee contest in 2026, with former Gov. Roy Cooper planning to seek the Democratic nomination.

Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans.

A North Carolina native, Whatley led the state's GOP before he was selected by President Trump to lead the RNC in 2024.

Several sources tell CBS News that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to run for Senate in North Carolina next year. CBS News executive director for the White House and politics,