Trump campaigned for Whatley in US Senate race — The Hill
US President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, in support of Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. Trump said that Whatley, who previously served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee alongside Lara Trump, helped him win the state during three presidential campaigns.
As The Hill reports, Trump called these victories “record-breaking” and highly praised Whatley’s work on the party committee. The president also said that he chose Whatley as the candidate in the Senate race. In 2025, Trump endorsed Whatley’s plans to run for the Senate from North Carolina after Lara Trump abandoned her own brief bid for the seat.
Poll data
The rally took place amid polls showing Whatley trailing Democratic Party candidate and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. According to an Elon University poll released on Monday, Cooper was supported by 49% of likely voters, while Whatley had 38%. Another 14% of respondents were undecided or said they intended to support another candidate.
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Whatley said he has worked with Trump since 2015, when he was asked to help the businessman in his presidential campaign. The candidate said he is running for the Senate because he wants North Carolina families to earn more and keep more money.
Statements on elections and payments
Trump urged voters to imagine that his name was also on the ballot in the November midterm elections. He said Republicans achieve good results when he is involved in the campaign.
The president also repeated his promise to pay $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, he said he intends to make permanent the tax changes from his Big, Beautiful Bill, including eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security benefits, and overtime work. Trump also criticized Cooper, claiming that crime increased in the state under his leadership and that he did nothing for those affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
