Lara Trump Announces Her Decision On Senate Run

Lara Trump unexpectedly shared news about her long-planned run for U.S. Senate, and it’s not what fans of the family expected.

The daughter-in-law of President Trump has been a powerhouse political player in her own right, formerly co-chairing the Republican National Committee while raising hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of 2024. Many believed the inevitable capstone of her career would be in the Senate, a securitization of the Trump family dynasty after the president finishes his second term.

Instead, Lara opted against seeking North Carolina’s open Senate seat in 2026 and will defer to Michael Whatley, chair of the RNC and former chair of the North Carolina GOP.

“After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time,” she announced on social media.

“I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my home state, whom I love so much,” she added.

Sources familiar with Lara’s decision say she plans to endorse Whatley, who plans to launch his own bid soon — one that will carry the president’s endorsement.

“The president feels Whatley has earned his shot,” one person familiar with plans told Politico.

“While I am not running in this election, my passion for Making America Great Again burns brightly, and I look forward to the future, wherever that leads,” Lara promised.

The race is expected to be an uphill battle for Republicans as they struggle to retain the seat of outgoing GOP Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC). Tillis, the former speaker of the state legislature, stated his intention to retire with the understood message that he would likely face a conservative primary challenger for bucking calls by Trump to fall in line on several votes this year.

Democrats, meanwhile, are crowing this week after news emerged that they had recruited former Gov. Roy Cooper into the race. His presence is a bright spot for the party, which is already grappling with doubts about its ability to win the upper chamber regardless of its chances in North Carolina.

With Cooper and Whatley both in the race, expect North Carolina to become one of the marquee contests of 2026. Both have formidable fundraising prowess, and the battleground state went for President Trump in 2024 after going for former President Joe Biden four years earlier.

Another challenge for Republicans will be in Maine, where Trump is generally leaving Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) alone as she battles for another six-year term as the last New England Republican in the Senate. Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is trailing in polls against Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running to his right but will be up against Cornyn’s full support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee.