Michael Whatley, ally of Trump, projected winner of North Carolina GOP Senate primary - NBC News

Michael Whatley, ally of Trump, projected winner of North Carolina GOP Senate primary - NBC News

Michael Whatley Projected to Win North Carolina GOP Senate Primary Amid High-Stakes Financial and Political Dynamics

Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman and prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, is projected to secure the GOP nomination for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat in the March 3 primary, according to recent polling and campaign finance trends. A Carolina Journal/Harper Poll conducted February 22–23 shows Whatley leading with 38.3% of GOP primary voters, a 30-point advantage over second-place candidate Don Brown (7.5%), though 50% of voters remain undecided. Trump’s endorsement, secured after Senator Thom Tillis opted not to seek re-election, has bolstered Whatley’s position, with 45% of Trump-approved GOP voters supporting him compared to 8% among those disapproving of the former president.

The race has already drawn significant financial investment, with Whatley estimating total spending could reach $800 million by November’s general election. Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, the likely nominee, has raised over $10.9 million as of September 30, while Whatley’s campaign has collected $1.4 million. Cooper’s campaign has focused on affordability and Whatley’s perceived “Washington insider” status, avoiding direct attacks on Trump, who remains highly popular among GOP primary voters (81% approval).

North Carolina’s Senate seat is a critical battleground for national control, with Democrats needing to flip it to offset GOP advantages in other key states. Whatley’s victory would solidify the GOP’s path to retaining the Senate, while a Cooper win could shift the chamber’s balance. The primary also reflects broader financial and ideological shifts within the Republican Party, as Trump’s influence continues to shape donor networks and campaign strategies. With undecided voters still weighing their options, the outcome underscores the high stakes of both the primary and the November general election.

Carolina Journal/Harper Poll, February 2026: Carolina Journal/Harper Poll, February 2026
NBC News, February 2026: NBC News, February 2026
NBC News, February 2026: NBC News, February 2026