President Trump is set to visit North Carolina on December 20, 2025, for a key event aimed at bolstering Michael Whatley, the leading candidate for the 2026 GOP Senate nomination. Whatley aims to succeed Thom Tillis, a Republican senator who has announced his retirement. This gathering signifies a critical moment as Whatley seeks to leverage Trump’s influence to secure his position in the upcoming election.
As the former RNC chairman, Whatley’s candidacy is closely linked to Trump’s legacy. He asserts that the midterms are essential for safeguarding Trump’s achievements against potential Democratic investigations. “We’re going to need him to be on the ballot,” Whatley stated. He underscored that Trump’s popularity in North Carolina, where he won all three times he ran, plays a crucial role in energizing the Republican base.
Whatley expressed confidence in Trump’s enduring support within the state. He remarked, “President Trump won North Carolina all three times… because he connects directly with the people,” highlighting the importance of Trump’s presence during the campaign. His remarks encapsulated a pivotal element of Republican strategy—aligning candidates closely with Trump to galvanize voters.
The former RNC chairman further emphasized Trump’s relevance to the economic landscape, claiming that previous policies under Trump’s administration helped improve the state’s economy. “He is fighting right now to bring down gasoline prices,” Whatley said, framing economic issues as central to his campaign. He argued that they need to continue Trump’s trade, tax, and regulatory policies to support North Carolina’s small businesses and farmers.
Building his campaign strategy, Whatley made clear his intention to connect with each community across the state. “We will be in all 100 counties across North Carolina, and we’re fighting for every single family,” he highlighted. By visiting diverse communities, Whatley aims to resonate with voters, capitalizing on his long-standing affiliation with Trump’s campaigns since 2016. His familiarity with the region’s electorate reinforces his belief that they can replicate previous electoral successes.
However, Whatley faces challenges from the Democratic camp, particularly from his likely opponent, Governor Roy Cooper. Whatley criticized Cooper’s record, stating, “He has fought harder for criminals, for illegal aliens, men who want to… play in women’s sports.” This strategy focuses on portraying Cooper as out of touch with conservative values, using the “80-20” rule to frame various contentious issues. By presenting Cooper’s positions in stark contrast to his own, Whatley hopes to sway undecided voters.
The dynamics of the upcoming Senate race will heavily depend on Trump’s influence in North Carolina. As Whatley emphasizes both Trump’s past successes and the urgent need to maintain Republican control, the undercurrents of these political maneuvers will shape the future of the party in the state. Ultimately, the event is about positioning Whatley not just as a candidate, but as a champion of Trump’s legacy—which he views as pivotal to driving voter turnout and achieving electoral victories in 2026.
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