Washington — Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley is preparing to enter the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, one of the top battleground contests of the 2026 cycle, according to three sources familiar with his plans. 

Whatley is planning to formally announce his campaign in the coming days, a source told CBS News.

President Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, that she won't be running for the seat, ending speculation that she might be the GOP pick. Whatley's plans have been blessed by the White House, one of the sources said.

Mr. Trump said Thursday he will endorse Whatley if he enters the race.

"I have a mission for my friends in North Carolina, and that is to get Michael Whatley to run for the U.S. Senate," the president wrote on . "I need him in Washington, and I need him representing YOU!"

 first reported Whatley's plans. 

Also expected to enter the race is Democratic former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, according to three sources familiar with Cooper's plans. Cooper is expected to announce his bid next week, the sources said. 

The coveted Senate seat is being vacated by Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who has held the seat since 2015. 

Kathryn Watson and Nancy Cordes contributed to this report.