Whatley raises record $6 million two months into NC Senate race
Michael Whatley, former Republican National Committee chairman, has raised a record-breaking nearly $6 million in just two months for his North Carolina Senate campaign. This total, achieved largely through small-dollar donations averaging $15 each, is reportedly the highest for any Republican Senate candidate nationwide. Whatley’s campaign,backed by former President Donald Trump’s endorsement,sees this fundraising success as a sign of growing momentum against Democratic opponent former Governor Roy Cooper. Cooper, who launched his Senate bid in late July, initially raised $3.4 million, also primarily from small donors. The North Carolina Senate seat, currently held by retiring Republican Senator thom Tillis, is considered crucial for both parties as Republicans aim too maintain their slim Senate majority, while Democrats look for gains in key states.
Michael Whatley raises record $6 million two months into North Carolina Senate campaign
EXCLUSIVE — Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley on Thursday touted a record-breaking fundraising haul of nearly $6 million in donations since launching his North Carolina Senate campaign roughly two months ago.
The number marks the highest figure of any Republican across the country running for the Senate, according to Whatley’s campaign. The record was spurred by small-dollar donations, with the average contribution being $15. The Whatley Victory Committee and Whatley for Senate raised a total of $5.8 million.
Whatley’s team framed the fundraising record as proof that the GOP candidate is gaining traction against Democratic rival former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, as the two men compete to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the 2026 election.
“Raising $6 million in just two short months shows the incredible momentum behind Michael Whatley, the Trump-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate,” Danielle Alvarez, a senior adviser to the Whatley campaign, said in a statement to the Washington Examiner, referencing President Donald Trump’s move to endorse Whatley in July.
Alvarez continued to take a stab at Cooper, who has been on the receiving end of attacks from the GOP in recent months due to accusations he spurred relaxed crime policies that made the state less safe, particularly after the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte.
“North Carolinians have had enough of Roy Cooper’s pro-criminal, America-Last agenda and are rallying behind Michael Whatley — a true America First patriot and ally to President Trump who will deliver real results for the people of North Carolina,” Alvarez said.
Cooper made headlines for raking in $3.4 million driven by small-dollar donors within the first 24 hours of launching his Senate campaign in late July. The former governor’s first-day haul surpassed the previous 2020 record for a Senate Democratic candidate, set at $2.5 million.
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The North Carolina seat is viewed by both sides as vital to boosting party power in the upper chamber, where Republicans are fighting ahead of the midterm elections to hold on to a narrow majority.
As Republicans seek to keep the North Carolina Senate seat red, Democrats are eyeing pickups in states such as Texas, where state Rep. James Talarico revealed this week he has raised over $6 million for his Senate campaign. The announcement placed him as the Democratic front-runner less than a month after launching his bid.
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