Washington loves political families. It’s like a big game of political musical chairs – when one family member leaves office, another one often jumps in! From the Kennedys to the Bushes, America has seen power pass through family trees for generations. Now the GOP is riding high with President Trump back in the White House and Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress.
North Carolina will be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections. The Tar Heel State has become a political hot potato – sometimes red, sometimes blue, always exciting. Control of the Senate could hinge on who replaces retiring Senator Thom Tillis. The race is already heating up faster than a summer sidewalk in Charlotte.
President Trump has made it clear who he wants to see take that Senate seat – his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. The president didn’t mince words when asked about the race.
From ‘Daily Caller’:
Speculation is growing that Lara Trump could return to North Carolina for a Senate bid. With President Donald Trump’s backing and other potential candidates seeming tentative, the seat seems to be hers to claim.
“She’s a great person, Lara Trump. That would always be my first choice,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.
The endorsement comes just days after Senator Tillis announced he would not seek reelection in 2026. Tillis recently opposed President Trump’s signature legislation, and Trump had threatened to find a primary challenger before Tillis decided to step aside.
GOP Leaders Rally Behind Lara
What’s remarkable is how quickly other potential candidates have rallied behind the president’s choice. Rep. Pat Harrigan, who had been mentioned as a possible contender, publicly pledged his support for Lara Trump.
“There’s lots of excitement around the 2026 Senate race, but let me be crystal clear about something: if Lara Trump enters this race, I’ll be the first to endorse her and the first to fight for her victory,” Harrigan posted on social media.
Similarly, North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, has indicated he’ll focus on his current responsibilities rather than pursue the Senate seat.
“I am humbled by and grateful for the hundreds of North Carolinians who have encouraged me the past few days to run for the US Senate,” Hudson shared. “However, my focus remains on representing the people of the 9th district.”
Michael Whatley, the Republican National Committee chairman and former North Carolina GOP chairman, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate but has remained quiet about his intentions since Trump’s endorsement of Lara.
North Carolina Native with Political Experience
While Lara Trump currently lives in Florida with her husband Eric and their children, her roots in North Carolina run deep. She was born in Wilmington, raised in Wrightsville Beach, and attended college in the state before moving away.
“Somebody who would really be great is Lara, she grew up there,” President Trump noted, while acknowledging that “they live in Florida, they have a very good life.”
Lara isn’t new to politics or high-profile positions. She served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election that helped return her father-in-law to the White House. She also hosts a show on Fox News and has been a key spokesperson for the Trump political movement.
A Strategic Pick for Conservative Values
If Lara Trump decides to run and wins, she would bring another strong conservative voice to the Senate. As a young mother and businesswoman with direct ties to the president, she could help advance key Republican priorities on everything from immigration to the economy.
Her media experience and RNC leadership role have prepared her to be a powerful GOP leader who could effectively communicate conservative values to voters. With her national profile and strong North Carolina connections, she could become an influential force in the Senate from day one.
For conservatives, having another Trump family member in Washington would help ensure the president’s agenda moves forward, even beyond his time in office. It also establishes another branch of what is becoming one of America’s most influential political families.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has endorsed his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as his “first choice” for North Carolina’s open Senate seat
- Multiple potential Republican candidates have already pledged support for Lara Trump’s possible candidacy
- Though currently living in Florida, Lara Trump has deep North Carolina roots and significant political experience as RNC co-chair
- The 2026 race will be crucial for Republicans looking to maintain or expand their Senate majority
Sources: Daily Caller, USA TODAY
