Immigration
Supports border enforcement and deportation of people in the country unlawfully who have committed crimes.
Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to North Carolina · U.S. SenateSourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Michael Whatley
Candidate for U.S. Senate · North Carolina
THE PERSON
Background
Michael Whatley previously chaired the North Carolina Republican Party and the Republican National Committee. He also served as chief of staff to Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Roots
- Raised in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Education
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · History degree
- Wake Forest University · Master’s in religion
- University of Notre Dame · J.D.
Background sources checked October 26, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Public safety
Supports law enforcement and opposes cashless bail and expansive pretrial release policies.
“back the blue without apology”Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.
Economy & energy
Advocates lower federal spending and expanded domestic energy production.
Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
U.S. Senate · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked October 21, 2026.
North Carolina State Board of Elections · General federal and state candidates ↗Portrait source ↗Photo: Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped to fit
The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.