Michael Whatley Aligns With Trump in North Carolina Senate Race
Republican candidate Michael Whatley is maintaining a close alliance with President Donald Trump despite trailing Democrat Roy Cooper in North Carolina Senate polls.
Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley is closely aligning his campaign with President Donald Trump in a bid for a North Carolina Senate seat. While other battleground Republicans have distanced themselves from the president due to rising costs of living and slumping popularity, Whatley has embraced Trump's policies and welcomed campaign visits from both the president and Vice President JD Vance.
Whatley is seeking to replace retiring Senator Thom Tillis, who has suggested that Whatley distance himself from the president to improve his standing. Despite this advice, Whatley continues to focus his campaign on deregulation and crime. His opponent, Democratic nominee Roy Cooper, is emphasizing the cost of living under the slogan "Make Stuff Cost Less."
The race has become one of the most expensive in the country, though some Republican-aligned funding has fluctuated. The super PAC Old North Action recently reduced its television ad reservations for the race by $6.5 million. Whatley currently trails Cooper in the polls, but maintains that the numbers are moving in his favor.
