Trump Endorses Two ‘America First’ Candidates In Battle For Senate Control

President Donald Trump made endorsements for two critical Senate seats on Thursday in high-profile races that are expected to draw a lot of attention. 

In a Truth Social post, Trump told his followers to support Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley in representing North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. While Whatley hasn’t officially announced a campaign, it is widely expected that he will jump into the race in the coming days. 

“Mike would make an unbelievable Senator from North Carolina. He is fantastic at everything he does, and he was certainly great at the RNC where, in the Presidential Election, we won every Swing State, the Popular Vote, and the Electoral College by a landslide! But I have a mission for my friends in North Carolina, and that is to get Michael Whatley to run for the U.S. Senate. He is STRONG on the Border, stopping Crime, supporting our Military/Veterans, cutting Taxes, and saving our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted. 

“I need him in Washington, and I need him representing YOU!” Trump added. “So, should Michael Whatley run for the Senate, please let this notification represent my Complete and Total Endorsement. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

The North Carolina seat became open after GOP Senator Thom Tillis announced he would not seek re-election after he opposed Trump’s signature spending package and the president threatened to support a primary challenger. Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and a Fox News host, had been floated as a potential candidate for the seat, but she announced on Thursday that she would not launch a campaign. 

On the Democratic side, former Governor Roy Cooper is expected to launch a campaign on Monday, aiming to flip the seat. 

Trump also endorsed former Florida Republican Party chair and state Senator Joe Gruter to head up the RNC if Whatley runs for U.S. Senate. 

Former Congressman Mike Rogers also earned Trump’s backing in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race. Rogers narrowly lost a previous Senate election in 2024 to Elise Slotkin, but is running again after Democrat Sen. Gary Peters announced his upcoming retirement. Trump praised Rogers as an “America First Patriot.”

“From the U.S. Army to Congress, Mike has served our Nation with distinction, and will bring that same Fighting Spirit to the U.S. Senate,” Trump said on Truth Social. “As your next Senator, Mike will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE by keeping the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!), Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!) Southern Border, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), who had been considering a Senate run, announced Thursday that he would not enter the race. Huizenga, who reportedly spoke to Trump last week, did receive the president’s endorsement for his congressional seat. He is up for re-election in November 2026.