Michael Whatley

Office sought: U.S. Senate
District (or At-large): North Carolina
Party / affiliation: Republican
City: Gastonia
State: NC
Election date: 2026-11-03
Experience: Former national and state Republican Party chair; federal policy adviser.

Biography

Candidate background

Michael Whatley previously chaired the Republican National Committee and North Carolina Republican Party. His background includes federal energy-policy work and service on Elizabeth Dole’s staff. He lives in Gastonia.

Stated priorities

His campaign emphasizes President Trump’s agenda, immigration enforcement, public safety and reduced federal spending.

Incumbent in this race: No
Education: UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest University and Notre Dame.

Summarized from The Election Hub and linked candidate information. Checked October 9, 2026. Campaign positions are attributed statements.

This is a statewide North Carolina race.

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Campaign website

Biography source

Issue positions

Allow more housing density

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Increase affordable housing funding

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Increase public transit investment

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Increase police department funding

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Expand city climate programs

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Increase public school funding

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Lower local property taxes

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Expand city support for small businesses

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Positions are entered by the administrator or an approved candidate representative. Missing information is not agreement or opposition. Last profile update: 2026-10-09 10:24:33. Confirm your ballot with your election office.