Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has launched his campaign for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat.

The attacks included the campaign of Gov. Roy Cooper, who could end up facing Whatley in the 2026 general election.

Whatley, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee, announced his run at Loray Mill Event Hall. Last week, WRAL News in Raleigh reported he had the full support of the White House as President Donald Trump's daughter, Lara Trump, opted to stay out of the race.