Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has made his first public endorsement in the race to succeed him, backing Republican Michael Whatley for the Senate seat Tillis is vacating. The announcement came Tuesday during an interview with NewsNation, where Tillis was unequivocal about his choice.
“Of course I don’t support Roy Cooper. I support Michael Whatley and every Republican up and down the ticket,” Tillis said. “I think more people should look at how they can help Republicans get elected versus be perfectionists at the expense of getting Republicans elected.”
The endorsement lands as Whatley faces an uphill battle against former Gov. Roy Cooper (D), who currently holds a lead in polling. Tillis’s backing is notable given his past tensions with former President Trump, which have often centered on concerns about Whatley’s campaign strategy.
Tillis has publicly advised Whatley to keep Trump at arm’s length, arguing that the former president’s low approval ratings could alienate independent voters crucial in a competitive state. “I don’t think it benefits him. I haven’t seen any poll where [Trump] is going to help us with unaffiliateds,” Tillis said, reflecting a pragmatic approach that has sometimes put him at odds with Trump loyalists.
This is not the first time Tillis has broken with Trump. He previously criticized Trump over a doxxing incident involving Sen. Tom Cotton, and he has expressed fears that Trump could lash out if Republicans lose the midterms. Tillis also called his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary the biggest mistake of his career, underscoring his willingness to buck the party line.
The dynamics in North Carolina are being watched nationally as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms. Recent polls show Cooper with a growing lead, prompting Democrats to pull some Senate ads in the state, a sign of confidence in their candidate. Meanwhile, Republican strategists are debating whether Trump’s involvement helps or hurts, with some pointing to a turnout paradox that may energize Democrats more than Republicans.
Tillis’s endorsement is a clear signal to GOP donors and activists to rally behind Whatley, even as he cautions against ideological purity tests. His comments reflect a broader intra-party struggle between those who prioritize winning and those who demand strict adherence to Trump’s agenda.
Whatley, a former Republican National Committee member, has sought to position himself as a mainstream conservative capable of appealing to swing voters. But Cooper’s name recognition and record as governor pose a formidable challenge. The race remains one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country.
As the campaign heats up, Tillis’s endorsement could provide Whatley with a much-needed boost, though it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to overcome Cooper’s advantage. With control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance, every endorsement and strategic decision carries weight.
