Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump is among GOP favorites for North Carolina’s open Senate seat as party strategists weigh 2026 options.

Lara Trump Emerges as Leading Contender

Following Senator Thom Tillis’ announcement that he will not seek re-election, speculation is mounting around potential Republican candidates for North Carolina’s crucial U.S. Senate seat. President Donald Trump swiftly praised Tillis’ retirement as “Great News” and, according to party insiders, is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the GOP’s choice for the 2026 nominee.

Prominently featured among possible contenders is Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee. A native of Wilmington and an alumna of North Carolina State University, Lara Trump is widely regarded within Republican circles as a fundraising powerhouse and disciplined campaigner. “She has the name, but beyond that she is a fundraising powerhouse, and she has the discipline to be an incredible candidate and senator if she chooses to,” a Republican strategist noted. Lara Trump previously considered a Senate bid in 2022 but ultimately decided against it, citing her young children as the main reason.

Her close ties to the president are seen as a major asset in a primary expected to draw national attention. While she currently resides in Florida, her North Carolina roots and political profile position her at the top of the list, should she choose to run. “She’s probably the only person who should have ‘considering’ in the same sentence because she is the president’s daughter-in-law and that will be a consideration,” one party operative added.

Other Potential GOP Candidates

Other names being discussed include RNC Chair Michael Whatley, a close Trump ally, and Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Several North Carolina congressmen—Pat Harrigan, Tim Moore, Brad Knott, and Rep. Murphy—are also reportedly eyeing the seat. With Tillis, a noted bipartisan lawmaker, stepping aside, strategists suggest the GOP could see greater base enthusiasm with a more conservative nominee in the midterms.

Some national Republicans see Tillis’ exit as an opportunity to energize the MAGA base, noting that his approach to compromise and bipartisanship did not always resonate with core Republican voters. Trump loyalists view the announcement as further proof of the president’s enduring influence over the party’s direction and its key races.

Democrats Prepare for a Competitive Race

On the Democratic side, former Rep. Wiley Nickel and two-term Governor Roy Cooper are among the names floated for the nomination. Cooper, in particular, is seen as the most formidable potential challenger, as Democrats seek to flip the seat for the first time since 2008. Hours after Tillis’ announcement, non-partisan analysts shifted their rating for the race from Lean Republican to Toss Up, marking North Carolina as a top Democratic pickup opportunity for 2026.

As party strategists weigh their options, all eyes remain on Lara Trump and other high-profile candidates who could shape the outcome of what is likely to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.