RNC Chair Michael Whatley launches North Carolina Senate bid

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, formally launched his bid to be North Carolina's next senator Thursday afternoon.

"I know that North Carolina wants to see our economy do better, more jobs created, safer communities and a stronger military. And so do I. Which is why I am very proud today to announce, that with the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump, I am running to be the next senator from the great state of North Carolina," Whatley said.

Whatley's announcement sets the scene for what's bound to be an expensive and buzzy race to fill the seat left vacant by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, as the state's former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, kicked off his candidacy earlier this week. The balance of power in the Senate is at stake as Democrats try to flip Tillis' seat.

In his Thursday speech, Whatley attempted to closely link former President Joe Biden to Cooper, criticizing Cooper on several issues: his response to Hurricane Helene, for adopting "radical left" ideology, and being weak on the economy. Whatley also slammed Cooper for standing by Biden after his infamous presidential debate performance, but then quickly endorsing Harris after Biden stepped off the ticket.

Whatley continued his pitch as the anti-Cooper.

"Roy Cooper has shown us exactly what his vision for America is, higher taxes, dangerous streets, radical gender ideology and a weaker America. I believe in a better North Carolina and a stronger America, more money in your pocket, safe communities, common sense and a strong country, a better state where you can buy a home, start a family, see your kids do better than you have right here in the Old North State."

In response to Whatley's run, Cooper's campaign manager Jeff Allen slammed Whatley as a lobbyist and Washington insider.

"North Carolinians don't need a lobbyist as their Senator, and voters will have a clear choice between Whatley's long career as a Beltway insider against Roy Cooper's record of putting partisanship aside to get results for North Carolina," Allen said in a statement.

Though Cooper and Whatley may have challengers as the primary progresses, they are seen as the front-runners.

Their candidacies have been rubber-stamped by their party's respective top brass with President Donald Trump asking Whatley to run, according to sources familiar with the discussion. Former Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel, who had launched a bid in April, dropped out and endorsed Cooper after the former governor formalized his run.

Whatley said Trump needs a strong ally in Congress, and that voters can be sure he can be that bridge to the White House if elected.

"President Trump deserves an ally, and North Carolina deserves a strong conservative voice in the Senate, I will be that voice," said Whatley.

A North Carolina native, Whatley led the state's Republican Party before he was selected by Trump to lead the RNC in 2024 and worked alongside Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law, who was the co-chair. Lara Trump was floated as a potential candidate, but eventually ruled out the run.

Trump is hopeful that Whatley has the knowledge of the state, the national profile and the network of relationships to run a strong campaign, a White House official told ABC News.

Republicans also say they hope Whatley's connections with donors will be an advantage for him in what will likely be one of the most expensive races in next year's elections.

On Capitol Hill Tuesday, Tillis said he has been advising Whatley on what to expect, and said Cooper was a formidable opponent.

"Michael's just got to be prepared for criticism he's going to get that is unfounded, the same criticism I would have gotten," Tillis said.

In his initial social media post endorsing Whatley, Trump also endorsed RNC treasurer and Florida state Senator Joe Gruters to become the new chair of the RNC.

ABC News' Oren Oppenheim and Isabella Murray contributed to this report.