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 Trump's endorsement.

Michael Whatley announced Thursday afternoon that he is running for the U.S. senate seat currently occupied by Thom Tillis.

Former lieutenant governor candidate Andy Nilsson and former congressional candidate Don Brown are also seeking the Republican nomination for the seat, which is being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis.

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

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