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. President Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced Thursday that she won't be running for the seat, ending speculation that she might be the GOP pick. Whatley's plans have been blessed by the White House, one of the sources said. Politico first reported Whatley's plans. Also expected to enter the race is Democratic former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, according to three sources familiar with Cooper's plans. Cooper is expected to announce his bid next week, the sources said. The coveted Senate seat is being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who has held the seat since 2015. 
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