“Public service should never be about personal profit,” Whatley said, framing the proposal as a way to restore trust in government. “If you’re elected to serve, your duty is to the voters and not your portfolio. I support legislation requiring members of Congress and their families to divest individual stocks or place assets in qualified blind trusts.”

The issue has gained traction in Washington in recent months as lawmakers from both parties push competing plans to tighten rules around congressional trading. House Republicans recently advanced legislation that would prohibit members from buying new individual stocks while allowing them to keep existing holdings, a compromise that has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics advocates who argue it does not go far enough.

Debate over lawmakers involved in stock trading has simmered for years, fueled by scrutiny of financial disclosures and concerns that members of Congress could benefit from access to nonpublic information. Repeated efforts to impose stricter bans have stalled, even as polling shows broad public support for tighter restrictions.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has repeatedly faced criticism over stock trades made by her family that drew public attention because of their timing and size. Former North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) also faced scrutiny after selling stocks in early 2020 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a market downturn. Burr, who had access to classified intelligence briefings at the time, said his trades were based solely on public information. He was ultimately cleared in both criminal and civil investigations.

Whatley’s position is unlikely to create a sharp contrast in the race. Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democrat widely viewed as his likely opponent, has also expressed support for banning stock trading by members of Congress and other federal officials.

The race has already emerged as one of the most closely watched contests of the cycle, with both parties expected to pour significant resources into the state as they battle for control of the Senate. Republicans view the seat as critical to maintaining their majority, while Democrats see North Carolina as one of their strongest pickup opportunities.

HOUSE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE TO MARK UP BILL BANNING CONGRESSIONAL STOCK TRADING

Whatley has spent the early months of the campaign consolidating support among GOP activists and donors, while aligning himself closely with President Donald Trump and emphasizing troubles such as border security, economic growth, and government accountability.

With both parties signaling support for trading restrictions, the issue is unlikely to define the race on its own. But it gives candidates another way to address voter skepticism about Washington and offers an early glimpse at how both sides are trying to frame accountability as the contest moves deeper into the 2026 cycle.