Whatley previously met with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott about a potential Senate run in North Carolina, and the NRSC had been floating Whatley as a possible replacement for Tillis since January, according to a GOP operative. Tillis did not announce his plans to not seek re-election until months later.

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley plans to run for Senate in North Carolina, according to a source.

A Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina next year has ended his campaign now that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has entered the race with President Donald Tru

Nilsson, a retired businessman launched his campaign when Tillis was still expected to seek re-election and before Cooper started his run.