Michael Whatley

Michael David Whatley (born October 1, 1968) is an American politician and lawyer who was chair of the Republican National Committee from 2024 to 2025. He previously served as chair of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024. Whatley earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, a master's degree from Wake Forest University, and a second master's and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame. After working on George Bush's successful 2000 presidential campaign, Whatley served in the Department of Energy under his administration. From 2004 to 2007, he was chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole. In 2019, Whatley was elected chair of the Republican Party of North Carolina, serving until his election as RNC Chair in 2024. Whatley is the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in the 2026 election in North Carolina, facing Democrat Roy Cooper in the general election.